Gas prices dropped today, and my spirits lifted. Prices were down two cents after work, and now the internet tells me the local price is as low as 1.47. Taking a 4000 mile round trip journey when gas prices are high is a bit ridiculous, but then you can’t sit around waiting for everything to be perfect. I see the ocean every day in my mind. Sometimes when I am teaching I see the tide roll in instead of the papers tossling in students' hands. Monday morning my run will be on the beach. I have never wished for spring so much as I have this year.

I am looking forward to being in Santa Maria more than Los Angeles, but Santa Maria was where so much happened and I have not even been in contact with these people for so long that it makes sense.

I looked at little Gracie today—my car that I still love—even with the scratches and minor dent that comes with age. I imagined her sitting in a parking lot 2000 miles away and the thought overwhelmed me a bit. I bought snacks for the trip: flavored rice cakes and other healthy (dry) delicacies. And I count the days.

Tonight I went swimming (indoors) and when I came home was making dinner and thinking about this trip. It has turned from a mild maybe-I want-to-go to I –really-want-to-go to tonight’s surety that I-am-truly-supposed-to-go. This is where I belong this spring break. It is not just what I want but where God wants me. I felt that peace and certainty tonight. It is Tuesday. This is the last night I will be at home until I leave. My busy week continues. So does the journey.