Time with Leigh's Family in the San Francisco Bay Area

In Oakland we were again greeted with sunny weather! 

We had wanted to go to Angel Island for a while but hadn't had time.  This time we made it!  Angel Island is the Ellis Island of the west, receiving, detaining and sending back immigrants from 1910-1940 here in the San Francisco Bay, mostly from Asia.  So my mom came with us, and after arriving at the island, we boarded a tram to take a tour.  Later we walked back to the Detention Center and had a closer look in the old Men's Dormitory which is now a museum.  My dad's father came through here as a "Paper Son" and was allowed to enter into the United States.  But some were not so lucky, were detained for up to two years or even returned to their country.  It was a great walk the island and think about all these people who are connected to me being here!  We had wonderful weather and amazing views!

On Angel Island!

Where everyone was received back in the day.

Poetry written on the walls by detainees at the Angel Island Men's Dormitory

My dad graciously invited us to his annual Chinese New Year luncheon at an old and well-known restaurant in SF Chinatown with some old club members at the YMCA.  He has been meeting with them since they were all 8 or 9 years of age!  Now they are 76 to 81 years old!  The day they were honoring their leader, who is 86!  It was an amazing 7 course lunch and we were privileged to enjoy it with them!

We had dinner with my brother Glenn, my sister-in-law Jenn, and their kids Owen, Ian and Seth.  The last time I saw them was when I came in January to care for them for a week and almost all of us had fevers!  We also took my parents out to dinner...Thai food!

John and I were also able to see some friends, visit Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, and go on some runs to my former high school.  I love touring around my hometowns (Oakand and San Francisco) with John.  Everything is fresh and new and an adventure!

We drove back to Tacoma, had two days for preparation, and now we're heading to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago!