Last week, I spent four entire days doing no homework whatsoever. And it was spectacular.

Of course, I’m sort of paying for it now, but I’m not terribly concerned. I’ll be able to catch up eventually. Last week, Erin came to Los Angeles for our monthly visit, which is always nice. It’s amazing how effortless things are when she’s here. How simple things become, how clear and sunny my outlook is. We spent a few days in Los Angeles, cooking meals, doing homework, and making plans for the future. After my Typography class last Thursday, we raced to LAX to catch a flight to Chicago. Our intention was threefold: First, we would be able to see (or meet, in Erin’s case) dear old friends. Second, we’d get a chance to see Abi, who is in the States for a brief visit in the midst of her service in Haifa, and Sholeh, who was originally scheduled to return from her service, but ended up arriving this week instead (we’ll meet up again soon, friend!!). And lastly, we would be able to pray together in the Baha’i House of Worship before our wedding in August.

It was an absolutely perfect trip in absolutely every way. When we originally booked the tickets, I’d decided not to contact all of my friends in Chicago, not to schedule and manage every last hour of my visit, not to stress myself out about seeing everyone that I needed to see, spending quality time with every single loved one, etc. Instead, we decided that our visit would be as simple as possible. We would simply go with the flow, enjoy whatever experiences came our way. And it worked beautifully. We ended up seeing almost all of our friends at least once during the weekend, with a few notable exceptions (you know who you are!).

We were able to stay with my dear friends Richard and Nassim, who graciously put us up in their Evanston home. The conversations that took place amongst us were alternately (and sometimes simultaneously) hilarious and profound, among the most stimulating that I’ve had in months–years. The four of us stayed up late every single night, talking about marriage, spirituality, the Baha’i Faith, bio-ethics, HIV/AIDS, grilling cheese, vacations, camping, school, life, etc. Erin fell in love with them, as I knew she would. She was pretty excited to bond with Nassim, a fellow nursing student in arms. I’m incredibly thankful that they let us stay with them, and this just means Erin and I have to return the favor!

Visiting the House of Worship was the unquestionable highlight of the trip. It was Erin’s first visit ever, and it was an honor to be there with her. I don’t know why, exactly, but the House of Worship had never seemed so beautiful, so bright, so full of energy, as it did when we approached last Friday. I’ve been there countless times, and my experience has always been varied. There have been times when I’ve found myself weeping, overcome with emotion. There have been times when I’ve surrendered to such a deeply meditative state that I’ve been unwilling to leave. There have been times when I’ve sat there, completely distracted by various worldly cares, unable to concentrate on prayer. There have been times  when I’ve desperately wanted to pray, but for some reason felt unable, as if I wasn’t connecting to God, my soul, or both.

But this time, everything just flowed. I felt the strangest sense of relief and homecoming as I sat myself down in auditorium, and gazed up at the ceiling. In a moment, I realized just how difficult my time in Los Angeles has been, spiritually. And in particular, I realized how intensely difficult the last month and a half has been. Starting school, moving to California, my relationship with Erin, subsequent engagement, intense troubles with my roommate, disconnection from the Baha’i community here. It has all taken its toll on me, I realized. And it was a positively healing experience to immerse myself in a place which simply radiates love. We sat there for quite a long time, praying, meditating, communing. Just what we needed. Perfect.

On Saturday night, we had a chance to meet up with a lot of friends at the (in)famous Deluxe Diner. It was wonderful to be able to see friends I haven’t seen in months, and wonderful to have Erin meet all of these people who mean so much to me. And of course, I was finally able to see my dear friend Abi after a really, really, really long time. After sitting at the diner for a couple hours, taking up too many tables and imbibing and consuming next to nothing (I’m sure the waiters were sending psychic death messages our way), we went to Patrick and Johanna’s snazzy place (no, seriously. It’s completely snazzy. So much, in fact, that I was surprised by the levels of snazz.) There was much chatting, story-exchanging, game-playing and all-around revelry. Much to my delight, I was put in front of an impromptu panel of newlywed men. Richard, married for two years, Lev, married for one, and Patrick, married for six months. It was wonderful to hear about the intensely challenging and incredibly rewarding process of courtship and marriage, from men that I respect and love so much.

On Sunday, after enjoying a wonderful brunch prepared by David, we went to the House of Worship for one last visit, hit up Mustard’s Last Stand for some Chicago-style hot doggery, and then headed to O’Hare to catch our flights. Erin was headed for Kansas City, while I was headed to Los Angeles. Airport goodbyes are lame, especially when you’re both flying out at the same time, out of different terminals. There aren’t many things more frustrating than the idea that you and your girlfriend will be sitting in the same airport, for about an hour, separated by two terminals. Ugh. But anyway…

It was a fabulous trip. Perfectly timed. And as I sit here tonight, looking at my massive procrastination-augmented to-do list, I am perfectly happy. I feel recharged, rejuvenated, re-energized and re-centered.

I took a few pictures during the weekend, which I’m uploading right here. Enjoy!

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