Traveling Teacher: In My Dreams

As a child, especially those teenage years, I didn't realize how blessed I was to grow up in my hometown.  I always wanted to be in edgier places like Oakland, San Francisco, or New York.  Instead, I was stuck in "Vacaville", which had no life for a young inspiring professional.  The one thing I did have was a strong sense of community through my church and people I grew up with in my neighborhood

In all, I spent 25-30 years living in and out of Vacaville.  I would always return home after having adventures in New York City, Alberta, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, Koeln, Germany, and Dubai, UAE.  

On every major holiday break and summer, I would always return home to see my family.  My parents knew that the first stop would be to my favorite restaurant, Murillo's. 

I can't count how many times my family ate together at this local Mexican restaurant.  I can see my mom laughing over a basket of chips and my dad complaining that he ate too many.  

Now that my mom has passed away and my dad lives in Texas, I rarely have the opportunity to return home.  In August 2023, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop in Berkeley, about 45 minutes away.  Just like old times, I picked up my rental car and drove directly to Murillo's to reminisce and create new memories.  

This video captures my happiness with returning back to the best hot salsa ever made and my favorite combination plate of a shredded beef tostada, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans.  

I need to return home more often.