June 20, 2013
This morning Chris and I each traipsed out of bed and got
ready for our lunch date with Bridey, Chris and the boys’ friend, who also
happens to be my potential roommate for when I move to Jacksonville! Bridey is
about to move to Jax as well and had previously mentioned to Chris she was
looking for a roommate to join her and her friend, Rachel, in finding a beach
house to live in.
I can’t help but to take a moment to relish in the fact
that God always provides. Initially when I decided to move to Jax, I was
completely unfamiliar with the area and knew not a single soul in the city.
Somewhere along my journey, I stumbled upon a graduate from the University of
North Florida who knew the school, knew the town, and knew contacts for me to
befriend, as well as a potential roommate for me to get a perfect little beach
house with. Out of all the hundreds of thousands of people I could have stayed
with in Pensacola or anywhere else along my trip, God set me up with Chris and
his roomies and thus paved an easy transition period for me once I got to my
final destination.
Even though this lunch was a meeting for Bridey and I to
feel each other out, Chris and I decided we should invite the whole crew to
join us. We proceeded to wake everyone from their late morning
slumber and off we went.
Since all of us were heading in separate directions after
lunch, we each drove separately in a caravan of cars (and motorcycles) and
finally arrived at the restaurant, Sidelines, where we were only a few minutes
late for our scheduled meeting. Chris forewarned Bridey we would be a
little later than planned, so she hadn’t quite made it there yet, and since she wasn’t
going to eat, we all ordered our food while I waited excitedly to meet her.
When she arrived, I think we both instantly knew getting a
house together would be a good fit! Bridey is super laid back and a total beach
girl, not unlike myself. She showed me a few pictures of potential houses that
Rachel had been scoping out and I couldn’t help but to be pumped about the
future.
Chris had to run off to work, so after finishing my
delicious wings, we all rolled into the parking lot where we took one final
group photo. I’m going to miss these boys! They were so welcoming and
made me feel like part of the family. I feel blessed to have met each and every
one of them, and can’t wait to visit them and for them to visit me as well.
Chris, me, AJ, Andie, & Abner- Pensacola, FL
After saying goodbye to everyone except Abner, he and I headed off for one closing photography opportunity here in Pensacola. I don’t remember the exact
name of the beach, but it was stunning. I don’t think I have ever seen water so
crystal clear! I eagerly snapped photos as Abner chatted with one of his
lifeguard friends who was on duty. The sugary softness of the white sand
combined with the clear blue-green water had me mesmerized. As I looked out
ahead of me, I caught myself with a satisfied and peaceful smile spread across
my face. What a way to end this week.
After one last goodbye to Abner, I embarked on my next mini
trip to Destin. The drive wasn’t too far and I just sat back and relaxed,
enjoying the scenery. I rolled up to Destin around 4:00 pm and set up camp on
the beach. This beach, too, was incredible. I took advantage of the almost
vacant beach and walked around with my camera taking pictures of the area and simply
delighting in my surroundings. On my walk back to my little beach chair, a man
with four giant fishing rods sticking out of the ground stopped me and inquired about
my camera. After talking with him for a little bit, he told me he was fishing
for sharks! Sheesh, out of all the places I could have picked to plop my butt in
the sand, I sat directly by the shark catcher! I decided right then and there I
would NOT be getting in that water. He asked if I was from around
Destin, so I told him no and proceeded to share a few, but not too many,
details about my story. Almost as quickly as I mentioned I was in the midst of traveling, he
offered to let me stay at his two bedroom condo right on the beach! I told him I
already had a potential place to stay (which was true), but that if it didn’t go
through I would let him know. I had previously reached out to someone in the
area on Couch Surfers, but I still hadn’t heard back from them after calling
and texting. I figured it was good to have a backup plan if I felt it was
necessary, but most importantly, if I felt it was safe. Shark Catcher seemed
like a nice man, but I am not naïve enough to have jumped on the opportunity. I
thanked him for the offer and scooted back over to my chair where I scarffed
down some easy cheese and crackers for dinner.
While sitting in my beach chair, I decided to call my mom.
We talked for a long time, and during our conversation, another man came over
to meet up with Shark Catcher. Immediately I noticed the two of them pointing in my direction
and smirking. RED FLAG.
Shark Catcher & sketchy friend- Destin, FL
Henry, just chillin- Destin, FL
Sunset- Destin, FL
On my way back to my chair, Shark Catcher and friend stopped
me again to chat. I didn’t mind the conversation, but when they offered me a
couple beers or a glass of some “special drink” they had made up, I knew there
was noooo chance I was going to stay with him for the evening. SEE YA! A storm
was rolling in, so I took that as my opportunity to jet. Shark Catcher insisted on
giving me his number, so I took it, told him I had found somewhere to stay and bowed
out gracefully. Walmart parking lot, here I come!
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