Sunday, December 31, 2017

Pasadena Trip update #4 December 31, 2017

Day #4 – Sunday – December 31--Petal Pusher Trip

Sunday in California is nearly over and so is 2017.  In some parts of the world, the year has already changed.  I think that is just wrong because the earth is one place and we should all enter the new year at the same time.  Now that I got that off my chest, I can focus on the events of the petal pusher’s day.

We had a leisurely breakfast without an early start since we got back to our hotel so late last evening.  Ellie was kind to us but she might have faced mutiny if she hadn’t been.  We met at 10 this morning in the meeting room for devotions and sharing.  There was no church nearby for us to attend.  We spent time praying for specific things and then shared God stories and special events in our lives that have strengthened our faith.  Tears were shed and bonding took place.

Next, we did something unique I am betting nobody else in all of Iowa did today, or ever for that matter.  We moved our uncompleted towel kits and the boxes of supplies purchased yesterday onto tables in the swimming pool area so we could complete the project outdoors.  Who signed up for this trip thinking we would be doing such a thing?  I’m betting nobody!  The young trainee girl manning the front desk didn’t know what to say when we asked her if it would be alright to do that this morning.  She was a little hesitant but Ellie convinced her that if it didn’t specifically say it was not allowed in her list of rules, it would no doubt be okay.  And that is exactly what we did.  She was a little taken back when I told her if we had items left over we would just throw them into the pool.  I want you to know we didn’t do that, but it eventually brought a smile to her face so it was all worth it.

The people swimming and playing cards around the pool said they didn’t mind as we took over the pool area and began our massive towel kit project for the homeless once again.  Yes, people were in the pool in case you are reading this from the frigid landscape of Iowa.  The sun was shining and before long we were removing our petal pusher sweatshirts and working in short sleeves.  Working in the hot sun was a dirty job but someone had to do it.  The project was completed in about two hours under the California sunshine and warm temperatures.

At one o’clock we boarded the shuttle and Lonnie drove us down to Huntington Beach where we spent a couple of hours shopping, eating and exploring.  It was cooler by the Pacific and sweatshirts went back on.  Everyone had good food wherever they went in their small groups.  Some had tacos, some burgers and some seafood.  All I can vouch for is the delicious mango BBQ burger I had at Dukes.  The shoppers returned to the shuttle with their treasures, some claiming they found good sales.  I’m sure they did because petal pushers do not lie, especially when in sunny California.

We saw the sun setting over the Pacific as we left the beach area. This is where Lonnie lives so he gave us a short tour of Huntington Beach as he drove through the city.  In the area a couple of blocks from the beach he said the small lots sell for 2 million dollars and the houses add another 5 million.  The city is upscale but those numbers mess with my Iowa head. We also stopped at a grocery store for a quick shopping trip to get food for tomorrow since we leave before breakfast is served in the morning.

Our day ended early with devotions at 7 o’clock.  Tomorrow we awaken early into a brand new year.  The shuttle leaves at 5 a.m. for the Rose Parade on Colorado Boulevard where seats are being saved for us overnight.  We look forward to the gigantic party with a million of our closest friends on Colorado Boulevard.  We can’t wait to see the floats as they come down the street.  I know we will break into cheers as The Lutheran Hour Float passes by, always a special moment to see the work of our hands as it passes by proclaiming Christ!

An early to rise petal pusher – Lynn Menz - Good night and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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