I'm in Orange County this week, and while I’ve been away from Ensenada, a couple of beautiful things happened that honestly made me feel so emotional and thankful.

At our April cleanup, we collaborated with a group called Northwest that plans hikes and outdoor events in Ensenada. After the event, they reached out and said how much they loved not just the cleanup, but the connection, how it felt like caring for one another and the world at the same time. They told me they wanted to do something for Earth Day and asked if we could help. I let them know I’d be out of town, but I was happy to lend them our supplies and they even asked if I could help write a reflection too. This past Tuesday, they had over 54 people come together for a reflection, a cleanup, and then a hike.

Also, at the beginning of April we started Cowork Miércoles, and I was honestly going to cancel this week since I was gone. But a couple of my friends said they could host because they didn’t want to skip a week. So on Wednesday, people still met up and worked together at a local coffee shop.

I don't know, I was just really moved. Sometimes you wonder if what you're doing actually matters or makes a difference. And this week, stepping back and seeing that these things are still happening…that community is growing, people are connecting, and the heart of it all is still showing up, that’s been such a gift.

And maybe, just maybe, this is a tiny little bit of how God feels. Watching people love each other, show up for one another, care for the earth and the community around them... it’s simple and beautiful and sacred.

If you know me, you know that my heart has always been for people to know that who they are, the story they hold, and what they bring to the table really matters. Creating spaces for that to happen has been always been foundation of The Giving Gifts and getting to see it come to life, even when I'm not physically there, wow. I am so thankful.