Friendships

I had great, deep friendships with roommates and friends in college.  We encouraged one another, laughed a lot, and did life together.  

After Brice and I got married and we moved to CO, we had an amazing church family and the most incredible small group.  This group of couples our age taught us so much about marriage, friendships, and raising Godly children.  Even after leaving there to go on the mission field, those 5 couples and friends continue to be among who we count as close friends,  some of our biggest supporters in ministry, huge prayer warriors, and friends we so look forward to visiting.  

Then we arrived in Haiti, and God had so many loving ladies I grew with in those four years.  We had Bible studies together, taught together, and started families together.  Leaving them was really hard.  It was leaving family again.  

Coming to St. Vincent with 3 kids already demand lots of time and attention, I have not had as much time to develop deep relationships.  We were so busy those first 2 years here getting settled, meeting people, and teaching.  

This semester God surprised me.  I had gotten so used to people moving.  Whether us moving or temporary fill in help, I started unintentionally closing off my heart.  It was so nice to meet people, share a meal with them.  But really laughing, sharing pasts, and opening your heart made me realize that even people God has in your life for this semester or the next can be great friends.  I hope I never miss out on doing life again with short-term friends.  

I can't even tell you how encouraged I have been by having a friend volunteering here this semester.  She'll  paint with me, giggle with me, share tea with me, give advice, and is just there to talk with.  

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  - Hebrews 10:24-25

I hope and pray for you that you have friends to share life with.  To be encouraged and laugh with.  

I'm so thankful to God for this blessing.  Even though I know change will come, and God may bring a different time, I am thankful for this day.  

(stolen from Becky- fun in a rainstorm)

Staff ladies night out

One of our students on our way to church.  This student Andree has a son back home he has never met while he studies.  I know he misses his son so much, and here he is with his arm around Pax making sure he is safe in the back of the truck.