Farewell, Florida

It seems like I've been in Florida for years now, and in fact, it has been a nearly four-month season. While I'm ready to hit the road, I'm grateful to have missed winter in most places this year! As I was planning my shift northwest from the coast to visit friends, Tallahassee hit my radar. I'd never been to Florida's capital, a new hostel opened there two months ago, it was Palm Sunday weekend so I could get to service, and the final selling point -- it was the weekend of the "March for our Lives". Sign me up. 

In just three days, I toured the city, including the original Capitol building, a few parks, neighborhoods and FSU, by bike and foot. The March on Saturday brought about 2,000 people of all ages to the FSU campus to walk uphill to the Capitol, and yes, support this youth movement that I hope is the start of something really big. There was also the opportunity to register to vote, if needed. To quote the crowd, "this is what democracy looks like!"

The hostel was a charming little home with an array of people of all ages who enjoyed conversation, a few cocktails, and even a bit of dancing on Saturday night (fun!). Yes, I did still rise for the Palm Sunday service, and loved the priest who missed his true calling as a stand-up comic. 

On Monday morning, I rolled to Freeport, another new Florida spot for me. The occasion? A reunion with a wonderful couple I met last November on Jekyll Island. We had 20 hours to catch up, hear live music, have a few laughs, and eat some incredible food, including the best damn buttermilk blueberry pancakes I've ever had in my life! 

I'm now in Alabama, yes Alabama for a week, so stay tuned.