Day Four, California
Charlotte
Today has been a great day. I really enjoyed the mission this morning and also eating lunch in the cute town (San Luis Obispo). The 2-hour drive to the campground was definitely worth it. The view driving up into Big Sur was amazing. We had the windows down, blasting music and enjoying the view. We stopped to see some sea elephants on the beach. That was really fun because I had never seen anything like it before. The last place we stopped before the camp site was this site where we got to see a waterfall and walk above the water on a bridge. The view was spectacular. I can’t believe I’ve gotten to see so many amazing views.
Colin
This trip marks a special time in my life. It is a blessing to share this experience with these pilgrims. I am too old to be their peer, but not quite old enough to be the parent. I am no longer a child myself and not quite ready to have children of my own. For almost five years now, I myself have shared this trusted friend/mentee relationship with Michael. There is no better example to follow in this role than his, and I can only hope to have half the impact on these pilgrims that he has had on me. I write with heartfelt thanks to the parents and the pilgrims for the incredible opportunity to forge these relationships this week.
Daniel
The trip has been a blast! Everyone in the group has really been getting along well. Today was a full day of driving (which I loved) except for a brief stop at Mission San Luis Obispo. The mission was gorgeous, but the 2-hour drive along the Pacific Coast and through the mountains (at the same time) was the highlight of my day. The seemingly endless road snaked its way through the mountains along the coast, giving a view that isn’t possible to describe with words. This day has been a good one.
Lilian
Today began with us starting a game with cards called Sneaky Cards. Everyone got 8 cards, all having various challenges we needed to complete, many of them involving strangers. Once we completed a challenge, we would pass the card on to the stranger. Throughout the day, I got rid of 5 of my 8 cards. One was left at a gas station for someone to find, the second given to a security guard that I made up a handshake with, the third left in a tip jar with a five-dollar bill, and a fourth given to a really nice guy wearing a “bro tank.” My fifth card was inside a greeting card I made that said “Happy June 23rd Day!” along with three dollars. This card stuck out to me because the woman I gave it to was named Cathy Ann (Ann is her middle name). I remember this because I’ve been trying to find a stranger with my middle name—Amy—so I could get rid of another card. Cathy came close. Anyway, Cathy explained to me how she had just been to a funeral and her receiving my card brightened her day. It was nice, knowing I made someone happy, even a small amount.