maybe it's the sunshine

After a week of scientific research, I've determined that California makes me happy.

Maybe it's the sunshine. Maybe it's the juxtaposition of ocean and mountains. Maybe it's seeing old friends and realizing that somehow, fences have been mended while I wasn't looking.

Maybe it's staying with two sets of folks who are just the sort of people I want to be when I "grow up"-- warm, sincere, inspiring, faithful folks, filled with purpose, and possessing the spiritual gift of hospitality.

Maybe it's realizing that I really like this part of my job, and that I'm lucky to have a position that affords me the chance to develop relationships with extraordinary volunteers, full of passion and compassion and odd, useful talents.

But I'm pretty sure it's the ocean.