It rains in California, just very little. California is perpetually in drought, but the winter of 2022-2023 was different. We received multiple waves of heavy rain that would last for about a week. As a result, the roads flooded. On New Year’s Eve, we went to Nonno’s house to celebrate New Year’s with the five of us—my siblings and my mom. While Mom was preparing the meal, I took Lyft to get to LensCrafters so that I could get new lenses put into my glasses. I walked to Starbucks and back, and my dad took me back to Nonno’s house. This was all while the rain was pouring, and I tried to stay as dry as possible.
My favorite way to be dressed is to wear a T-shirt. It gives me freedom while being both comfortable and modest, but when it’s raining, I must go the opposite and wear bulky, waterproof clothing. So, I often end up wearing a lightweight hoodie and hope I can survive.
On January 6, I flew up to Seattle. I was tired of all this rain in California and was hoping for a break by flying out of state. However, my naïve self did not realize that Washington in the winter is the worst place to go for a break from the rain. Seattle in January, rather than being a haven from rain, was a rain forest. During my entire trip, the sun never came out.
Nevertheless, I wasn’t in Seattle to admire the weather. I was there to see my friend Drake and meet his wife Laney.
Drake picked me up from Sea-Tac, and we were able to catch up in person for the first time in three years. Throughout the trip, we discussed theology, religious views, and I appreciated hearing his perspective.
On the second day, we toured Seattle. First, we went to Pike’s Place. I witnessed fish thrown around. I put a coin into a pig. And I got my hot vanilla latte from the original Starbucks. Next, we got lunch at Ivar’s and then discussed the doctrines of grace on the way to Seattle’s biggest icon—the Space Needle. While we were walking, the rain increased from its constant sprinkle, and that shaped our experience at the top of the Space Needle. Looking at Seattle from above also meant looking through rain covered glass.
The next day, we went to church and then returned home to play games inside, but the rain continued outside. I had to be careful so that my Bible would not get damaged. After eating dinner, it was time to take me back to the airport, in the rain, of course. It was a fun trip, but there is one thing I learned about Seattle. Just as California is a perpetual desert, Seattle in the winter is perpetually rainy.
