Today is day four in Lafayette. I now know where the post office is, Starbucks, Whole Foods and El Chorro Mexican restaurant. Oh and the 7-11 and the Indian restaurant, which has very nosey waiters (“You are alone sir? No wife?”) Seriously. But that’s another rather interesting topic entirely – dining alone. Next time he asks I’ve got the perfect response: “No husband either.”
Day one, Friday, was moving day. Moving was kind of surreal. I found myself wanting more time, yet there was none. Guys showed up with a truck, and 90 minutes later were on the road. (Sunny Movers did a great job. 2 guys and a truck moved everything for $715 bucks.) “See you there.” they said. So I had to go.
But then I was here, instead of there. Lafayette? A month ago I didn’t even know it existed. That was day one – Friday.
Saturday I needed to get the place at least a little bit organized. What goes where. What needs to get unpacked and what might as well just stay in boxes for now. How I ended up with about 30 new toothbrushes. Maybe 40. And where to put them. Stuff like that. By midafternoon I was beat, and after a trip to the self-storage place to buy a wardrobe box for clothes that won’t fit in the closet, I needed a nap, so showered, and laid down.
Until the police showed up at my door. “Lafayette police!” Great. My first whole day here. Since my door wasn’t locked they came on in, since apparently someone had called 911 from this address (the landline, next door). “Did you call us?” one of the officers asked my half-asleep self. No, I was asleep. “So you didn’t call us?” Nope. Sleepin’. OK sorry to bother you. End of nap. Welcome to Lafayette.
Yesterday, day three was all about Santa Rosa, my amazing CSL community there, the annual picnic and giving and receiving love and an early dinner before heading back, home. Home. A very interesting word. A very interesting idea. Yesterday I realized that home means, at least in part, comfort. And familiarity. Home is a place where love happens, where relationship happens. It’s sanctuary. Safe haven.
Something shifted overnight, or early this morning – the realization that this, now, is where I am to be. Home, here, too. And I am clear that although my geography has shifted a bit, I am not leaving behind what is truly important, but instead am expanding it. It’s an hour away for God’s sake. I’m only an hour down the road. Ok an hour and 15 minutes. So what I am experiencing now is just the edginess of expansion. Growing pains.
Today, day four in Lafayette, I got my home office work-ready – well, except that the cable guy just disconnected the wifi somehow, in an effort to get the cable TV working. Now neither one work. I can hear the BART (bay area rapid transit) train in the distance. I’ve never been on BART. I am not letting the cable guy leave until the wifi is working. Then, maybe I’ll go for Indian food.
welcome to the land of my youth, my brother. it’s pretty, if a bit bland. see you in august!
<3
I love this. And, I love you. Maybe Hannah and I will come down and take you to the Indian restaurant for lunch. But first I should Google where Lafayette is.
oh good. that will give the waiters something to talk about! : )
<3
Jeff, I remember so well what you’re describing. “Home” where you can’t yet find all the things you rely on to feel “home.” Sounds, smells, people and places all different. I experienced it coming to Santa Rosa, then in Huntington Beach, and also in Vancouver. It will gradually become familiar and “home” again.
I may be a little slow, but it usually took me one full turn around the seasons. When we came around to seasons, weather and holidays the second time I found I was really getting the flow. Ask for help, and enjoy receiving it. Everyone will want to give you suggestions & recommendations if they know you want them.
i’m that little slow too mary. usually suits me well. surely is an interesting season…
Love to you and the cable guy! xo?Sue
i will let him know suebee!
I Love you. Having moved 4 times in the last year and knowing its not my last move because my lease is up Jan 1, it is challenging to find “space” for adjustments, new routes, new places for things and then remembering where you put them in their perfect new place. And letting some boxes sit until I can feel where the right spot would be for what’s inside. It took a few months to unpack and re-find everything and re-store some things too and remember what I re-stored in boxes in the shed.
Brother, broken open and expanding an hour a way is tremendous change and development. New neighbors, new streets, new people to love you and to love on.
I wish I could tell you how much I SEE You and feel you!
I’m with yah brother. You are in my thoughts intentionally bidding you WHOLE and perfect love and grace. suz
i love you too my friend. its all quite the adventure huh?
Awwww lors of new adventures.
Maybe the police arrived on behalf of Welcome Wagon!
I know you and I know you will settle in and in the meantime, I’ll hold a place for you! 🙂 xo
thanks phyllis!
Dear friend, I’m sorry I missed the picnic and the official recognition of the external changes in your life. I’d love to take you to dinner anytime it works out for both of us. I want to keep you in my life! Much love, Nancy
continuity – yes, i want that too… when the dust settles just a bit… or, maybe before ; ) much love to you too nancy.
WELCOME Rev. Jeff. I’m just up the road a few minutes if you need anything. Andy is in your town and Doug Myers is close also. reachout. we love you already and grateful you are here. Rita
thanks rita!
Oh yes, I remember it well, if not all that fondly…the moving business is tricky! I love you, and appreciate the laughs from the locals! I hope you get that wife thing straightened out…
i love you too janet. i think that indian restaurant might be a whole ongoing thread… adventures in indian dining… stay tuned for next weeks episode!
Jeff –
Again, welcome to this corner of the world. Contra Costa county is an interesting place worth exploring. And Lafayette has its own particular charms, which you are likely already discovering. If you haven’t already, try Rustic Tavern on the main drag closer to the Post Office. Outdoor seating, excellent food, reasonably priced for the quality. Also, Uncle Yu’s for Chinese.
I’ve got lots of tips for Oakland too, since I’ve lived in both places.
Mainly, just want to say you are awesome and OCSL is so lucky to have you. I know Santa Rosa misses you dearly – but hey, more fans that can come visit us in Oakland.
Crank up the AC (well not today, perhaps) and keep walking at the Reservoir. There are lots of other great trails as well, one behind Stanley Middle school that goes for miles. But you will discover all this in Spirit’s good time…
Welcome. Home is where the heart is. Sanctuary!
Eleanor
this is great eleanor, thank you so much!