Home for Christmas

The "food" AirChina fed me :(

My first sight of the California coast :D

11am service at First Baptist Church of Stockton

Visited the family my mom used to work with - Dania was hanging the little white elephant ornament I gave her :)

Such a sweet family

For all those who think California is 'warm and sunny' all year round

Our Christmas Tree

11pm Christmas Eve service at FBC Stockton

Dad loved the picture I got for his office of the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai

And Mom loved the temple and two monks-in-training picture I got for her (among other things)

Showing Dad how to tie his new fisherman pants lol

More of that "warm" California weather right there....

Talking with my Grandpa

Christmas Dinner

Grandpa, Grandma, brother David, Aunt Robin, Dad, and me (Mom took the picture). My grandma unfortunately passed away the day after Christmas, but I was blessed to have been able to spend that special day with her. Rest in Peace, Grandma. I'll miss you. 

Lucy, my favoritest pooch in the whole wide world

Waiting for Geoffory to arrive for our date

Geoffory planned a lovely date, and we had a wonderful evening. I only wish I could have seen him more while I was home. 

At the McEfee's home in Georgetown for their winter party

hahaha me and a surprised Mr McEfee

Me and Tami McEfee

Oh..well..I guess there was SOME good weather... ;)

UM..cutest cupcakes ever. And most delicious, I might add. 

Dave's Retirement party at El Camino Baptist Church in Sacramento

Line Dancing at the Davis Grad Saturday night

Sunday morning service at El Camino

Praying over Dave and Andrea since it was Dave's last Sunday

David and Andrea, and me :)

Line Dancing at the Grad on New Year's Eve (my friend Daniel next to me..and girl-whose-name-I-don't-know on the left there)

Jen, Christian, me at the Grad

My favorite bouncer, Jessie

Jordan, the nice guy I gave a ride home to, who put gas in my car to thank me haha

Last but not least, this was the "cute" little guy who sat next to me on the flight from SF to Beijing....cute, until he sat and squawked for 3 HOURS while everyone ELSE tried to sleep. There should really be a special class for people with small children. With soundproof dividers.

My trip home was...not what I expected. It was full of emotional ups and downs, hellos and goodbyes, excitement and disappointment, and although I was glad to see/be with my family for the holidays, for the first time I felt like California was part of my past. A past that I plan to visit when I can, but I don't really feel like that's where I belong anymore. Thailand feels much more like home now, even though I've only got a few months left; looking forward to the next chapter in Australia. Thanks to those of you who made my visit home as good as it was.