Love one another deeply...

Last night in the women's Bible study I have been attending the speaker mentioned that in a time of instant messaging, email, and texting we aren't having deep relationships. She the called us to develop deep friendships. Since coming home I have been praising the Lord for the deep friendships that I am privileged to have. I am blessed to have many great friends of varying closeness but four friends stand out which I would call my best friends. I thought those wonderful ladies deserved a shout out today!

First, my sister Deanna, from the day she was born we shared and instant bond. Early on in her life I was in more of a nurturing role with her, but the older we got the deeper our friendship grew. I am blessed to really say that I have a sister who is also my best friend. The first photo is when Deanna was just a few months and the second of her trip to visit me when I lived in Leb. she was only 18.

In junior high science class I met my friend Katie. Katie was sweet and kind and we had lots of fun. We went on our first trip overseas together and I was blessed to be her maid of honor at her wedding 9 years ago. I am now honored to be a part of her 2 daughters lives. The photos here are of Easter Sunday in high school (note the disgusting amount of flowers on both of our dresses) and high school graduation.



In high school I met Shawnda at church. She and I connected because of a deep desire to know God more. After college we moved in together and often took long walks discussing everything! Shawnda always shared my love for personality tests, traveling overseas, and fun. The first photo is from high school and the second when we lived together.




The last friend I have to mention is Sarah. Sarah and I became instant friends at a week long training for our organization about two and a half years ago. That whole week we were inseparable. One my favorite questions Sarah asks me is "How is your heart?" she is also one of the most encouraging people I have ever met. We are able to laugh about anything, talk for hours about language and culture, etc., and have a great time doing it.



Yesterday I talked to all 4 of them! God is SO good to me. Thanks ladies for being part of my life. I love you all!

Daddy Daughter Date

I'm trying to seize every opportunity to spend time with people and of course family is a high priority. Yesterday Deanna came over and we ended up having a dad and daughter dinner. What a blessing to all be in the same place at the same time.




















Today I was able to spend time with some people that are VERY special to me. I got to see Allie and Lauren and then Erick, Katie, Emma, and Julia this evening. I will get some pictures up of future times with them soon.

I am SO blessed!

An interesting 4th of July

For the 4th I went over to my sister's (Deanna) place for a party. The 5 roommates wanted to have a last hurrah party before they all moved away. So they invited friends, but by 8:30 we realized no one was coming! So the girls got the idea to go rollar skating. And it was a blast!



Deanna and her roommates (one missing from photo).



When Deanna was in junior high we began praying for a good Christian friend for her. Shortly after Jenn came into her life and they have been BFFs ever since. I am so amazed at the Lord's goodness at bringing her into our lives but also for how he was able to use our family when she was having some difficult family times. Jenn and I had a great talk last night and I am blessed to see the woman she has become!



Jenn and Deanna BFFs