20 YEARS

For the first 20 years of my life, I've called this beautiful place "home."
It's like a slice of heaven.
A perfect average of 70º year round- the only disaster is a teeny tiny earthquake.
A variety of people, and a very low crime rate.
Within an hour you can be in the roaring ocean, stuck in 5 feet of snow, amidst Redwood Trees that have been there since time began, or in the middle of the dessert where it looks like there's no end.

Friends and family, playing with puppies, going on adventures, finishing school, starting a career, becoming Maddie... NorCal will always have a special place in my heart.

I've grown up here, and have began my life here.
From as far back as I can remember- one of my favorite childhood memories goes somethin like this...

I was standing on the edge of the pool, with big tears in my eyes. Barely 3 years old. My daddy, in the pool with his arms stretched out wide saying, "jump, Maddie, jump!" But I had a look of uncertainty in my eyes... He asked me if I was scared, and I said "yes..." Then he asked me, "doesn't it feel good?!" And my look changed from uncertainty, to a smile. A big, big smile, and I began shaking my head..."YES." Guess what happened next? I jumped, and it was so fun. 

Well, that's how I feel now. As I was driving home from work one day, a career that I had just began and most people don't start until they're close to age 30 (mind you, I was hired at 19)... thinking about resigning and what the future might hold- I began to think about that memory. Jumping into the unknown. Some people might think I'm crazy, and that it's "scary..."

But I see it as fun, I see it as jumping, and not knowing what to expect- but knowing that it will be awesome- and I have to trust the Lord, that He will catch me. Onto a new adventure, starting this next chapter of my life- in Kampala, Uganda.

And it feels so good. It sure is a big world out there, and I can't wait to see it!

Go on this journey with me.
Love,
Madeline