A Pictorial Overview of Cape Town: August 4th-13th

Hello Table Mountain!  Its a joy to be back!

During my visit I stayed with my precious friend Caroline who is currently living with other dear friends Craig & Lisel Stewart (and their 3 kids, 2 dogs and chickens...the house was full).  My first stop was the Warehouse where I used to volunteer...so many friends to hug!

 A magical evening with Caroline...we drove up Chapman's Peak to enjoy the view and then spontaneously booked reservations for 'sun-downers' at an incredible luxurious hidden getaway below the cliffs called Tintswalo.

Saturday morning I joined my friends and their kids for a gathering called Toddlers for Justice at the Warehouse.  The littles packed food parcels for local orphans and we prayed for them too...precious!

A sunny afternoon in my favorite seaside town, Kalk Bay.  Enjoyed returning to familiar antique shops and a treat at the Olympia Cafe.

Monday morning met friends and their kids at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.  It was winter, but as you can see the sun was blessing my week!

I can not be in South Africa and not drink yummy wine!  Caroline and I returned to one of my favorite vineyards called Steenberg.

Tuesday was a national holiday called Women's Day.  I attended a celebration at my church Khanysia...full of singing, hope...and of course dancing!

Two lovely friends, Nokuzola (a friend from church and the mother of Simpamandela who I used to tutor) and joyful Matthew Tooke.

My favorite walking place in Cape Town...Seapoint Promenade, with dear friend Christy at sunset.

Meeting up with the Read Family, friends from when I lived in Tacoma who are now missionaries in Cape Town...and having a crazy dress up dance party with the Stewart kids.

The day before I left I took the familiar drive out to the township of Khayelitsha and visited the preschool I used to volunteer at.  I didn't tell anyone I was coming, so it was a joyous surprise!

A special tea with a special woman: Elizabeth Clack

I got time with so many families and dear friends!  My last evening I had supper with the Fhersens, Patos and Stewarts (plus a surprise visit from Rene)!

On my last morning I took my very special friend Vivian out to breakfast at our favorite spot, Common Ground Cafe.  Afterwards I went to say goodbye to my buddy Linda!

Goodbye Cape Town...I already miss you!

A Pictorial Overview of London: July 29-Aug 3

 On July 29th I left the beauty of Mt. Rainier (as seen from the plane)...to travel across the seas to my favorite city in the world: London.  Every time I land here, my heart instantly feels at home.  My 4 days in London were quite a whirlwind and packed full with seeing friends!   Hope the below pictures give you a taste of my time!

Nathan and Bethany Comer (children of my friends Jessica and James...Nathan was just 3 weeks old)

Enjoying a musical with my friend Hannah...and Jess and her kiddos.

A Gala Surprise

This past Thursday was the Opening Night Gala for the Seattle International Film Festival.  Seattle proudly hosts the largest yearly film festival in the nation.  Each year I read with anticipation the films that are going to be shown, but its not often that I take the time or spend the money to actually see any films.  When my friend Emma asked if I wanted to accompany her to try and get free tickets...I was up for the challenge.

After enjoying a happy hour meal together...we walked to MaCaw Hall at the Seattle Center.  I was initially apprehensive as I saw the fancy dressed attendents, media, and red carpet for those involved in the film industry.  It wasn't that I particularly felt out of place...but I was wondering where Emma and I were going to stand with our signs.  Yes thats right...Emma has showed up at the Gala for the past 8 years with a sign that says "If you give me your extra ticket, I'll love you forever."  

As we quickly scoped out the scene, we found a spot near the stairs and on the count of 3 quickly put up our signs.  Both feeling slightly awkward...yet excited at the same time, we then waited.  But not for long...with minutes a man said "I have an extra ticket"...and then a lady.  With our tickets in hand we proudly walked alongside the red carpet (unfortunately not on it!) to head into the theater.

But the evening didn't end there.  We got fabulous seats and got to view a new film called The First Grader.  Set in Kenya, it tells the story of an 83 year old man who goes back to school to learn to read.  It was an incredible true story...filled with awe and hope.  I am a softy for films about Africa and Education...so loved it!  Afterwards, we followed the crowds to the After Party and enjoyed champagne, cupcakes and dancing.

I am loving living in Seattle and the adventures that I am getting to have!