Saltwater Heart

My friend Sophie and I stayed at her grandparents' beach house this weekend. Although Sophie has spent lots of time at this beach, I haven't been to any since 2006, and I was thrilled to see the ocean again. We arrived late Saturday night, took a walk on the beach in the dark, and planned to go down again in the daylight the next afternoon. We began Sunday's adventures by going to a charming grocery store and souvenir shop for Sophie to get some fruit.

 After we left the grocery store, we drove back to the house and got the chairs we had forgotten. Then the car wouldn't start. So began five hours of... adventure. After multiple phone calls, the car started again, so we were able to make it to Advance Auto Parts and arrange for repairs.

We walked for an hour and fifteen minutes to get back to the house. It was 95 degrees. I was wearing beach flip-flops. She had no sunscreen. Thankfully, we survived and remained calm and cheerful.

The mechanic fixed Sophie's car on a Sunday and delivered it to us. We were so grateful.

 Heading to the beach five hours later than we planned!

I was afraid that the golf cart would malfunction too. Thankfully, we just lost a chair off the end.

I took my journal in a Ziploc bag so that I could write by the sea.

Because of our car troubles, we decided to stay an extra night, and spent a couple more hours at the beach on Monday before heading home.

I had a wonderful trip, and am grateful for God's protection and provision in car trouble and for Sophie's friendship. We had a great time, and I am so glad that it worked out for us to have this adventure together before she starts college in the fall. I enjoyed our deep conversations, funny banter, and Switchfoot sing-alongs. The title of this post is that of a song I specifically wanted to listen to on the trip:

"When I’m on your shore again

I can feel the ocean

I can feel your open arms

Like pure emotion

I’m finally free again

By my own explosion

When I’m on your shore again

I can feel the ocean"