A few weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to Michigan to visit some friends that I had while in graduate school there.  The five of us have studied the Bible together, helped pull of church functions together, watched each others kids grow up, and have lived life together.  They were my community, and it broke my heart to leave them two years ago.

But two years have passed, and now there are more kids in the picture for many of these families – kids who don’t really know me as babysitter, friend, or adopted aunt.  That doesn’t prevent me from getting on the ground and playing with them, though, and loving them in the time I have with them.

In those two years, much has changed in my life, including another move to Tennessee and marrying my wonderful husband.  I’ve gotten to introduce my husband to these friends, and they have become his friends, too.  I love getting to share life with my husband – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and getting to share people who have shaped my life with him, too.

It was such a joy to see my friends and their families, to see how the kids have grown, and to meet the new ones who have come since I have been away.  It was wonderful to talk to them about marriage and life and kids and God, and to share in their lives for even a little bit of time.  These people mean so much to me, and I am ever so grateful for them.  May the Lord continue to bless you all and bring you closer to Him daily, and may you be friends who commune with the Lord and each other in the ups and downs of this life.

All my love to you and your families,

Kristen