From Kauai to Cali to Kitchen Counter
- lyonsmaddy161
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
I got home Thursday evening, and I’m only now getting around to writing this final blog. Part of me was reluctant to sit down and type it out—like putting words to the page would somehow make it all officially over. But here I am, back at my kitchen counter, trying to process the last few days and the swirl of moments that wrapped up this journey.
What a sweet and much-needed final week in Costa Mesa, California.
I’ve grown up going to SoCal almost every year—sometimes more than once—but somehow, I had never visited this little golden pocket called Costa Mesa. We got the opportunity to partner with Genesis Church for some community outreach and church involvement, and it ended up being the perfect final chapter to this whole experience.
One of my favorite moments of the week was our Friday night Shabbat dinner. It was such a beautiful evening—people gathering, each bringing something to the table, literally and figuratively. We shared food, stories, and laughter in a way that made everyone feel like family, even if we had just met.
Later that night, we joined in on “Mac-N-Jesus” (yes, that’s the real name), which was equally chaotic and inspiring. We set up a pop-up table by the Huntington Beach Pier around 9 p.m., caught the night crowd, and served homemade mac and cheese while offering prayer. Just a simple invitation: a warm meal, a kind word, and a moment to be seen. It reminded me how powerful hospitality can be. Something about the simplicity of it all stuck with me. Jesus did so much of His ministry around a table, over a meal, in the middle of real life. It’s so simple, and so beautiful.
The next morning held its own kind of beauty. We woke up early and headed to a nearby parking garage that hosts a weekly outreach called LOTS (I can’t remember exactly what it stands for, but I'm sure something good lol). It’s a homeless ministry that offers showers, haircuts, clean clothes, a hot breakfast, and—most importantly—community. I got to help hand out food and chat with some of the guests!
The first couple days in California felt a little hectic, but eventually the pace slowed down. We fell into a rhythm of slower mornings, coffee runs, bible studies, and spontaneous water gun fights. I treasured the simple joy of cooking lunch all together in our host’s home—windows open, music playing, laughter echoing through the kitchen.
What a joy it was to spend these last few months with such amazing people. People who challenged me, encouraged me, and just got me. Till we see each other again.
The end of an era. Goodbye for real.
There’s such a strange mix of sadness in leaving and joy in returning. I’ve been home for a few days now, and honestly, it’s already starting to feel like it never happened. Like it was all some fever dream. I’m back in my own bed, on my own streets, driving my own car, surrounded by my family—and yet, just days ago I was on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, where our biggest concern was who was doing dishes and whether we had enough apples.
And yet… I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I thank God endlessly for it all—for the provision and the opportunity to go. For the people, the places, the wisdom poured into me, and the encouragement that carried me through. My prayer moving forward is that I would always be ready to give a reason for the hope that’s within me—with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Until the next chapter. Love y'all!!
pics from cali!!!!
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