“Go West Young…. Woman!”
By Vicky Beeching on Aug 18, 2008 in Uncategorized
Hi friends,
Did you ever hear the old Michael W Smith song, ‘go west young man”? That was one of my favorite songs when I was growing up! If you’ve been following my “Twitters” (see www.twitter.com) you’ll have heard a lot about me packing up my apartment in Nashville and taking a road trip West, via Estes Park, to California. Its been a busy and exciting few weeks of transition, so let me sit down and tell you all about it!
Since I was a teenager, I’ve always wanted to live in California. It was a pretty unusual thing to want, as my family had never been to the States and had no desire to go there. So God planted a love and a huge prayer burden for California in my heart at a young age. In my later teens I researched the Azuza street revival, read all about the Jesus movement, and spent much time praying that God would touch the ‘Golden State’ and one day allow me to live there and serve him in that place. When I was 20 I visited the States for the first time, going to a songwriters retreat held by the Anaheim Vineyard Church. I fell in love with Southern California instantly and it hasn’t gone away since.
Nashville has been home for the past 4 years, and I’ve loved being there. But over the past year my heart has grown more and more excited at the thought of making a move to CA. My job is totally mobile - songwriting happens wherever me and my guitar are…. recording happens wherever my laptop and a microphone are… and traveling ministry just needs an airport nearby to fly out of. So I began to realize that I could live anywhere and still continue everything as normal!
After a lot of prayer, thought and planning over the last 6 months, I finally arrived here in CA last week! I chose San Diego as it’s quieter and more laid back than LA, but I can still head up there for any writing or recording stuff in Los Angeles. The chilled out, surfer vibe here in San Diego is awesome, and there are lots of musicians, writers and creatives to inspire me and team up with!
It was a beautiful and long road trip across the country, aided by my trust GPS! (I need a name for my GPS… all suggestions welcomed!)
In a truck stop I saw this mileage chart and kept realizing just how BIG america is!
I saw incredible scenery….
And having crossed the CA border on the final night of the road trip, celebrated with the classically Californian meal of “In and Out Burger” : )
The beach is about 5 minutes from my house, so I’m loving that already…and I love all the palm trees…. you don’t see any of those in England so they are still quite novel to me!
This week has mainly been unpacking suitcases and getting furniture for my apartment… as you can see I”ve been busy….(this was day 2, so now it looks WAY more organized!)
So I am now based in San Diego and am very excited about it. There is so much going on for me at the moment - finishing songs for my forthcoming record… just about to sign a book contract for a book about worship and revival… lots of concerts in the US coming up, plus a 2 week tour of Canada in October… looking at great ideas for more events in the Fall… So San Diego feels like the perfect place to base those activities out of - when I need inspiration and rest, all I have to do is jump in my Jeep and go walk along the beach. I’ve also found the perfect beach-side coffee shop where I can do all my writing and blogging. Awesome!
So that’s my update : ) How about you guys - where do you live now, and is there anywhere else you have dreamed of living? Do you sense that God is calling you to your current location for a long time, or do you feel called to a different location or nation?
Love,
Vicky
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i love san diego! i was born there. just don’t forget to visit the zoo!
=) welcome to california!!
lorijo | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
So stoked for you friend. we’ll miss you around here. glad we’re just a click away.
Cheers.
Chad Jarnagin | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Congrats on your move to San Diego!
Actually, San Diego is a place I have wanted to visit and possibly live for some time now. Also…I’d be fully okay with living somewhere in the front range of the Rockies, circa Denver or Colorado Springs. I had a few months in Nashville (well, Spring Hill, but worked in Nashville), too, and I love that city. Wish I’d had more time in it. =)
Rachel | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
I love San Diego! God bless you on your adventure! I met you at Recreate this past year and I have followed your music since “There’s No One Like Our God’ on the Vineyard Hungry Record (one of my all time favorite worship albums). That is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I love Coronado Island and you can’t beat the weather!
Cynthia Cullen | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Great idea to move to SoCal! You are only less than an hour south of me.
So, you up for any blogging strategy sessions? We have a few people up here doing that and I am planning something soon.
Blessings on your move!!
Rich Kirkpatrick | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
San Diego is my favorite city here in California. You absolutely must get a pass for the Zoo / Wild Animal Park. They’re amazing!
bridget
Bridget Willard | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Hey so you are finally here! Who would have thought that when our mums were in ante-natal (Lamaze) classes together back in the UK that we would both end up in San Diego eventually : ) We will have to meet up for that coffee sometime soon.
Lyn Bell | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
I never dreamed of EVER living in Nashville and am still here! Who’s know’s how long God will keep me here for… I feel passionate about the world! Happy to up and go wherever God leads me!
I reckon you could name your GPS ‘Sheila’… that’s what ours is called… It has an Aussie-ish/British accent!
Miss you girl!
Joy Argow | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
I lived in LA for 6 months, and I completely understand not wanting to live there! Right now I am in North East Florida, and am a half a mile from the beach (which is awesome). However, I have always wanted to live in NYC. We’ll see what happens! ;o)
Alison | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations on your big move! I love the west coast. My husband and I have desired to move from Michigan for the last 2 years, but we’re waiting on God to give us the go ahead and an open door somewhere else. I wouldnt mind Nashville, New York, Arizona, or the West Coast.
I hope you get settled in quickly and may God continue to guide your steps and prosper you!
Kelli | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
my wife & i just moved to Austin, TX this weekend, and we love it here already. this is a great town with a great vibe. there is so much to do here. it’s a great town for music & photography…both things i do for a living…so that will be cool.
san diego rocks! you have to eat at Bronx Pizza. it’s unbelievable.
BUSH | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Wow! I remember you talking about California on the interview for my podcast a few months back.
I’ve lived in San Diego and loved being so close to the beach, and the weather is amazing of course. (Two down sides to living here in Kansas City. However, my wife and I both feel that this is where God wants us for a while.)
I really like how the San Diego airport is right by the water as well.
During a time when many Christians are immigrating out of California (probably the most liberal state in the country and one of the most expensive places to live in the world), you are taking a bold step to move into it. May God bless all your endeavors. It’s very exciting!
Wisdom Moon | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Wow! Congratulations!
I’m in San Diego RIGHT NOW. I’m playing at the House of Blues tomorrow night (the 19th) and then will start my trek up the coast ending my little tour in Portland.
I like San Diego as well, although, if it weren’t for the GPS I think I’d start to get a little confused about how the roads work around here.
Meghan Coffee | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Exciting news!! GOD is GREAT! ….and In-N-Out burgers are the best burgers on the planet. (scriptures hidden on their wrappers too!)
Brent | Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
My wife and I live a couple hours away from San Diego and are working full time out here with ministry based organizations… but we sense that God is calling us in to the mission field (long term) in Taiwan and China and eagerly look forward to seeing that become a reality.
A lot of our friends have moved out to the San Diego area in the last few years. Maybe you’ll meet some of them at church
~JOSh-X
P.S. I LOVE In-N-Out Burger! It’s my favorite fast food!
~JOSh-X | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Wow, Vicky, you’re a California girl now (fulfilling part of the Beach Boys’ prophecy)! I get the whole hankerin’ for the West thing, having been born and raised in the Florida flatlands, though it was on a gulfcoast island. For those of us who have never been to the Pacific coast, I hope you’ll keep posting pictures.
As for the GPS, I suggest “Pal,” as in Palantir (which, when used properly, helps you see the way to go), or as in, “Hey, Pal, which way do I go now?”
May God bless your ministry in San Diego and to the rest of the world.
Bill | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Vicky,
So awesome to finally see a blog update! =) And to hear of all the exciting stuff with moving to Cali. I visited San Diego last year on the way to and from a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico-I loved it, to say the least.
As of right now, I call Upstate NY my home, but I would love to move Virginia one day. I’m a big fan of Richmond. I am also praying about relocating to Carthage, MO which is a pretty podunky town in the middle of nowhere. But there is a church there and a whole bunch of people I would love to join up with.
I also have a huge burden for Romania and the Romanian people. After going on a mission trip there at age 14, I have never lost that fire nor that passion, and continue to pray that one day I will be able to return.
God Bless you on this journey!
Stay strong in His grace!
Cati | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Congratulations Vicky! It’s great that you are getting to realize your dream location and still do your dream job. I can’t wait to hear any new songs you are working on and I’m still greatly enjoying your first 2 albums.
I live in PA (near Philly) and have lived here since 1988, before that I lived in upstate NY for 17 years so I guess I don’t move much. My wife’s parents just retired to Seattle and I’ve visited and could see myself living there someday. God Bless! Kevin
Kevin | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Wow! Congrats Vicky! Maybe we should call u Vicky Beaching now ey
For the past 10 years I’ve lived in Drachten, Holland; (am 26 now). Still live there by the way, but 3 years ago I moved into my own home. Before my family and I moved to Drachten, we’ve lived in 3 other cities and one of the Dutch isles, so I think I’ve been moving enough for now:) I love the Frisian area too much to leave it for years I think, but I really want to visit countries like Australia, Africa, Canada, America and fellow European countries.
God bless you!
Love,
Welmoed
Welmoed | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
i have lived in california for 10 years, but my brother and sister are in nashville. you are actually living my dream i think. i would love to live in san diego more than anywhere in ca, and if i ever moved out of ca it would be to nashville.
it’s great to have you local though. i’ve gotta book you at my church now!
chris | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Hey… while you’re lookin’ for a church, there is a great Sovereign Grace church in San Diego (it’s where Drew of SwitchFoot goes):
http://www.gracechurchsd.org/
Shannon Lewis | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
California is a very beautiful state to live in, Vicky. It is kind of liberal out there and there are a lot of people out there who are into the Eastern religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.). I used to live in Arizona and Arizona has a lot of people living in it who used to be from California. I met several former Californians out there. Most I met were very liberal in their political and religious views. Many were not Christians in any sense of the word. It will be quite different for you than Tennessee, but I guess you’ll adjust. I hope all goes well for you out there. Watch out for the mountain lions! I heard on a TV show that sometimes they roam into urban areas like San Diego and Los Angeles at night. Take care and God bless!
Steve
Steve | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Wow… thanks everyone for the messages! I feel so supported by you all this week as I settle into my new season here! All my boxes are now unpacked and I”m slowly beginning to recognize a few street names and find my way around!
Would love your continued prayers as this becomes home. Thanks again for the kind notes : )
Vicky
Vicky Beeching | Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to California! I too live 5 minutes from the beach in Ventura County and am an import to the U.S. from Canada. (Been in Socal for 7 years)
Ok, about In N Out burgers… they are great burgers but burgers from “The Habit” in Ventura and Santa Barbara areas is even better… you must stop by and see for yourself.
Enjoy S.D.!
James | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to Sunny California!
I’ve lived in Sacramento for almost two years now.. we moved from St Louis, Missouri as my husband’s family lives here. We had to move out from St Louis for health reasons and it seemed the logical first step.
I’ve had a difficult time settling here, and don’t think we’ll be around very long.
Germany always calls my name. There’s just something about the southern region of Bavaria that makes me daydream whenever I think of it.
I am mexican and have been in the US for 5 years, I’ve done my fair share of moving around
I guess I’m in one of those stages when you aren’t quite sure what God has in store, not a single clue.. just a strong desire to get closer and closer independently on where we’re located geographically. I’m about to have a baby any day now, so my energies and emotions are a tid moved
Yay to in & out burgers. Good stuff.
Ceci White | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
Hey remember me from SOS in Cincy?
I live here in San Diego too! Are you
singing at any churches here locally? Where?
I would love to come see you and say hello….
-Justin McCoy-
Justin McCoy | Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
Call you Sat nav wally….
Then you would never need to ask Wheres Wally again…
Although…. In the states they call him Waldo… So it wouldn’t be much help…
Oh well….
ben | Aug 21, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to the good coast! West is best! : )
Nathan | Aug 21, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to California, Vicky!
I always was and will be an L.A. person =)
I’m starting my graduate studies at Azusa Pacific University this Fall. Hope we’ll get to see you playing at our school one of these days!
Blessings!
R | Aug 21, 2008 | Reply
Congrats on the move! You won’t be needing the scarf from the estes park picture.
eric | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply
Oh, I’ve always wanted to live in San Diego! How great for you Vicki! I live on the other coast in central Florida!
Congrats on all God is doing in your life!
Rachel
Rachel Hauck | Aug 22, 2008 | Reply
I made the big move from a little town in Wales to San Francisco, almost 7 years ago. I flew out here 10 days after the 9/11. It was one of the first flights out after that terrible day. I could see myself one day living in Southern California. I have a passion and love for the place, despite everyone telling me I shouldn’t! Every time I’ve visited it’s been awesome. You do know by the way though that Denver gets more hours of sunshine in the year than San Diego right!?
Matthew | Sep 11, 2008 | Reply