It's kind of funny how life takes such unexpected turns.

I'm a firm believer that God's plans for your life are bigger and better than anything you could ever dream up on your own. Time after time God showed how marvelous his plans were for me. From when I was laid off from my architecture job to then becoming a photographer, working from home, traveling the world, and meeting amazing people. To when I met Lance and he had characteristics, qualities, and interests I hadn't even considered looking for in a husband, but yet matched me so well. It was all part of God's plans for my life. Putting my faith in God and trusting Him really changed my life.

Looking back on my life I don't have too many regrets, but the one thing that is most prominent is the fact that I didn't study abroad in college. At Cal Poly, my architecture program curriculum dedicated a year to studying abroad. You're meant to go travel and discover architecture of other countries and cultures. But it was expensive, so I didn't even bother applying to any programs. After college when I started traveling a ton, I realized the value of traveling abroad (and even out-of-state) in order to not only progress my career and design aesthetic but also to open myself up to difference experiences, to leave my Californian bubble. With my travels since, I feel like I've made up for it in a way, but there was still always that lingering regret.

Flash forward to now and I'm in London with a study abroad program. Granted I'm not a student and I'm only here to be with Lance, I still feel like I'm finally getting to study abroad and it's thrilling. I get excited talking to the professors and students and hearing what they're seeing and learning. The students give me fresh eyes on the city, as they're experiencing it (and for some a big city) for the first time. I'm so thankful to be given this experience.

I definitely would never have thought at the ripe age of 32 that I'd be in London with a study abroad program, but wonders really never cease.