March 30

It was a long but wonderful day in the greater Los Angeles area.

Since today was Admitted Students Day at Biola (which was the primary reason that we came to visit now and not during the boys' Spring Break next week), we spent the bulk of our waking hours on campus, starting at about 8:30 AM. We sat in on two classes (one an Intro to Computer Science, and one a  Theology seminar), took tours of the campus and dorms with student guides, attended Chapel, and enjoyed catered Chick fil A for lunch. (I had no idea they made waffle fry potato chips. Go figure!) The school did a nice job of putting the event together and it seems that the students and faculty truly love being there. I don't know what Isaac will decide, but he did say that based on his experiences, he feels like he would be happy at both Biola and Wheaton. 

When the activities wrapped up at around 4, we retrieved our little red rental Kia from the parking garage (which was one of many parking structures and lots on the campus; they even have a lot below the soccer field) and headed back to Charlie and Alexi's house for the evening. After considering our dinner options, we decided to take the brief walk down the hill for some pizza slices at Bub and Grandma's. My artichoke slice was delicious; Charlie explained that they use a sourdough base for their crusts and the flavor was just-spot on. (We also enjoyed sharing an order of meatballs that Alexi ordered; once again, great flavor and texture.) 

Then we hopped and skipped down the street (not literally; I'm just more than 16,000 steps into my day and super tired and feeling punch-drunk at the moment) until we came to Donut Friend, which features fancy donuts named after various musical bands. I chose a delicious-looking danish with blueberry compote that I'll be eating it in the morning because from there, we went back the way we came, crossed the street, and got delicious soft-serve from Magpies. And then we took the return walk to the house. I was gratified when the trek up the steepest part of the hill didn't leave me wheezing.

The rest of the night was spent chit-chatting with Charlie and Alexi and trying to win over Penny the cat. (Which we finally did, aided by the administration of a few generous licks of catnip. We're all now BFFs.)

It was a blessed day for many reasons. It was a blessing to see Isaac taking in the information presented and mulling his options for college. It was a blessing to be in the car with him afterward, listening to him talk about theological truths and how much he enjoys seminars. It was a blessing to hear him say that he thinks he could be happy in multiple places. It was a blessing to spend time with my brother and brother-in-law. And it was a blessing to pet a sweet, soft kitty (and then immediately wash my hands to keep my allergies in check). And I am grateful to God for all of these good gifts.