I miss(ed) you

Maybe it was the cold Joburg winter with its bleak brown expanses and bone-chilling nights, or homesickness that set in after a wonderful fun/family/friend-filled trip back home, or a combination of the two. Whatever the reason, the end of winter in Joburg was not my best season in this place. Fortunately though, the temperature has risen and the tide has changed. Spring is here in full force, and it’s so welcome! But before running full steam ahead into South Africa spring I’ll return once more to what now feels like a long ago LA summer…

My photos from my time in LA need no description other than to say that it was fantastic to be surrounded by so many of my old friends. The wedding of dear and fabulous Roisin and Nate was a wonderful excuse for a college reunion. And the party continued right through my 30th birthday. To say I miss these folks is an understatement.

And it is to many of these people that I owe a biggest and most heartfelt thanks for making my trip possible in the first place. Many months ago I was awakened in Joburg with a phone call from Lauren, LIbby, and my sister revealing to me the outcome of a plan that they’d hatched months prior. In the end, an astounding 50 people contributed money to fly me home for my 30th. A more perfect birthday present does not exist, nor does a more loving gesture. I still get choked up thinking about that effort, I have no doubt that it will go down as one of the most touching gifts/gestures/efforts/surprises of my life. Libby, Lauren, and the other 48 of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.