Alone-ness

I think the hardest yet best thing for me is that I've been experiencing so much alone-ness...not loneliness...just alone-ness. (Yes, I realize it's not a real word.) So much alone time, so much solitude. I'm trying to embrace the silence and milk it for all it's worth because I know it won't be there when I'm back in Santa Barbara. The lack of a cell phone is a blessing in disguise. Now if only I could pull myself away from the Internet...

Unfortunately, it's during the silent times that I think the most about home...and the days on the calendar blur.
I don't want to be lonely...but I won't be lonely...because my Maker's holding me. I crave time with him because He is the only one who truly knows me over here. And feeling known is the best feeling.

It's wonderful to TRUST in grace through faith...but lately I've been wanting to TASTE it. I want him nearer than He's been. But I realize that I should probably be the one moving closer...

I have the bus route down for the most beautiful beach called Melnrage. It makes me feel home. I don't know what I'm going to do when the temperature drops. "Sea" is very different than "ocean." But I can't describe it. Here's a picture...cause I know none of you have ever seen a sunset before.