Being Home Part 1
While our beginnings to our vacation were less than ideal, hanging out in Pensacola for 3 1/2 days was wonderful. It truly was like being home again. Pensacola is where I discovered myself, it’s were I realized how important having a genuine relationship with Jesus matters, it’s where I began the journey of figuring out who I was in Christ. Every time I visit Pensacola, I realize how much I love it there, and it’s always difficult for me to leave. Although I’ve been there 3 times in the last 6 months, there’s always that twinge of heartache as I drive away from that place.
While there I was able to show Kaitlyn some of the favorite things I like to do while visiting:
- Hanging out with dear friends is always high on my list. This time we stayed with Jodi & Eman. I love them and I truly am blessed that God brought them together. We also had a meal with Vern & Melissa Schrock with several of their friends at a local Japanese restaurant after church Sunday night, that was enjoyable too!
- We went to a non-crowded local beach on a balmy Sunday afternoon – of course the water was cold, but we had no intention of getting wet.
- We visited my former church Harvest Church, to give Kaitlyn a sense of my church roots, and to experience a true Gen-X church with all it’s high-volume worship and intense seeker-friendly message. Hearing my old friend Will pour out his heart in song and with music brings a sense of joy to my heart for all that he has grown through and how God still blesses him with powerful lyrics and great talent.
- We had an amazing dinner with my dear friend & mentor Deirdre Daley. Her restaurant of choice: Tre Fratelli. Talk about authentic Italian!!! The food here was incredible. I love going to restaurants that are hidden gems in their communities. Especially if the food is more than scrumptious. I wish I would have known about this place before – Jon would love it. It’s quaint, it’s charming, it’s genuine. It’s a great old home in downtwon Pensacola, just off the Bay. Although we were full from our meals, we still made room for dessert at Deirdre’s behest. All of us had gelato with cake, but in different flavors. Deirdre went for chocolate, Kaitlyn wanted Key Lime but had to settle for Spumoni and I sampled the caramel pecan passion. Wow! and Mmmm!!!! I wish I had taken pictures of our meal. I know it’s just food, but oh to see those tasty dishes now… (Go to this site, to see some pics of the outside of the restaurant.)
- I took Kaitlyn to my college alma mater – UWF (University of West Florida). It was fairly quiet on campus, but a lovely day to walk around. I think she was a little surprised that I attended a small school that had such a laid-back atmosphere.
We also celebrated, in a very small way, Kaitlyn’s 21st birthday. Nothing over the top, nothing outlandish, just a great meal (with Deirdre at Tres Fratelli), followed by a late evening snack. So HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KAITLYN!!!!
