I just finished eating a can of beef ravioli—cold from the can. Yes, indeed, someone needs to go grocery shopping! Of course at this point I am thrilled to recover my can opener. I must say that in the move things did well. My TV, VCR, computer and monitor all arrived in working order. Thus far the fragile pictures and glassware I have seen are fine (thanks, Georgia!) and even Marvin survived. He is “perking up” as Robin says. (Marvin is my plant who doesn’t need heat or sunlight—the trip through the desert--he got that wind-blown look--was traumatic for him, but Robin loved him to life—as she did me many years ago!)

Anyway, I need to finish the story. Gosh, was I supposed to be in the midst of a new blog by now? Fat chance. I am not ready yet. Soon. Very soon.

In a few minutes I am calling Robin and then at some point I have to go to the store and get some stuff. Tomorrow I have to get laundry done. I have a washer, but I can’t use it yet because I had to order the sink adaptor—which fortunately was only $13 and is on its way. I will go to Jenna’s—I don’t even have a key to my own laundry room here! But that is okay. I need stuff like shelf paper—and there is no Wal-Mart for miles. This was a hard lesson after nine years of Texas!

It is much later now—I went out for a while. I settled for Target—fine but overpriced for the simple stuff, but at least it is right down Colorado Blvd. So then I also explored the rest of Pasadena—well, the south part, east and west. I was determined to find the fast food places for when you need that quick meal. I found a bunch on Lake Avenue, including a vegetarian drive through. That was cool. Here it is a normal thing to be into healthy eating! Then I wanted some of the great frozen yogurt that I had that first day I was here so I went to Old Town and drove around looking for parking—later I realized, as close as I live, I sort of have free parking and might as well walk. Anyway, I got my fancy yogurt and walked back to the car and came home. But I loved it—that is one reason I chose this city. Some places in LA seem like no one could every want to live there—more like cages of people trapped in a dream gone bad. Pasadena is a place people would and do choose. It has life and character and charm. (It has a seminary, too, and I am mighty tempted to enroll in my free time! I know God through personal experience—which is most important of course, but I want more knowledge to deepen it.)

Anyway, I came home feeling much better. My body is still adjusting to the new altitude and my allergies feel it bad. I feel pretty lousy in that area. But I still had a good time.

I talked to Robin tonight. I couldn’t say much except that I missed her and I loved her. I just wanted to hear her voice. I don’t think anyone can understand the uniqueness and special qualities of the relationship. I have never had anything like this and being so far away is hard—I knew it would be but it is different than I thought. The ache is deeper—it is in the crevices of my heart. For the first time in my life I have a healthy nurturing relationship and it did not die—I left because God called me, not because my life fell apart. The ache deepened when we said good bye. We hung up and I sobbed again. It hurts so much. I know this is new—it will take longer than two days to be adjusted. And in most ways I am doing well. Honestly walking around Pasadena tonight I felt more like I was on one of my many ministry trips than living 1500 miles from home. Robin kind of ordered me to a nature trail tomorrow morning! Yes, mom… so I looked them up again and found a short on in the Angeles National Forest—literally up the street—so I will try it.

Robin said something I have also thought… I think one of the reasons God has allowed me to travel so much in the last couple years is a preparation for this. I have come to a point where every city is a city—I assimilate myself in no time. I begin to talk like them and walk like them. I become a part. So because of that, moving so far away to a different worlds has been easier.

One notable surprise here is the service in local shops and restaurants. It is WONDERFUL. In Tyler, the rudeness was so bad there were some places I would not go. But people here by and large have better attitudes toward customers. I like that a lot.

Deep stuff of part II coming soon--stay tuned