Same Coast, New Point of View

Initial thoughts following our recent move for my fourth travel therapy contract

Greetings from Northern California! One week ago we packed up our car, said goodbye to beautiful Santa Barbara, and drove four hours up the coast to begin my fourth travel therapy contract. Say hello to the newest residents of Pacific Grove, CA! Pacific Grove (PG) is one of three cities that make up the Monterey Bay Peninsula. To the east of PG is Monterey and towards the south of PG is Carmel-By-The-Sea.

While we have only been here a week, we have the feeling that we are really going to enjoy living on the Monterey Peninsula. We are so thankful that God worked everything out for us to be here for the next 15 weeks. He was in every detail. Within 15 minutes of us are some of the most iconic views in California - Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Bixby Bridge, and 17-mile drive just to name a few! We immediately noticed how different Northern California is from Southern California. As midwesterners, our perception of California as a whole prior to living here was something like "a paradise of palm trees and infinite sunshine" which for the most part, does describe our experience living in Southern California (besides May grey and June gloom). Northern California, however, has more of a rugged, moody, forest feel. Palm trees are now Evergreens, warm summer air has turned into a cool fall breeze from the ocean. PG itself is known for having many deer in the area. Our townhome complex must be one of their stomping grounds, as every morning so far I have seen 2-3 laying down in the flowerbeds on my way to work. During our first week here, we have enjoyed walks along the beach, exploring Carmel-By-The-Sea (one of the cutest and dreamiest CA towns!), hiking at the Garrapata State Park, and a scenic drive down Pacific Coast Highway. We look forward to more exploring, hiking, and time in nature in the months ahead!

My new job is 8 minutes away from our townhome in PG at a rehab facility for adults in Monterey. I officially made it through my first week of work and it went well! I noticed increased confidence and ease being the "new girl." First day nerves were still present, but they went away much faster, as my outlook has evolved as a travel therapist since over a year ago and due to the incredible amount of support and encouragement Tyler pours into me - I could not do this without him! I know my greater purpose and that has been such a game changer in a field that is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting.

I am hired at these facilities to fill the role of a speech-language pathologist, as in most cases they have just lost the person who filled the position or have not had one for a while. More importantly though, God reminds me that my true role at the end of each day is to be His hands and feet to the people that I have the pleasure of serving. To the person who is suffering from memory decline resulting in confusion and feelings of frustration, my role is to provide them with a warm smile, comfort, and feelings of safety. To the person who is suffering from devastating effects of a new stroke, my job is to hold their hand, provide hope, and encourage them that their deficits will get better with time. When I look at my job through this lens, it makes these new situations easier. The pressure is lowered when I remember that a new contract is simply an opportunity to love, serve, advocate for, and help more people.

Tyler and I look forward to sharing our temporary new home, experiences, and adventures to come with you all!

With love,

The Wandering Wrights