Old Friends

Today, several of us at training went to dinner together. There were five families, and each of us has 1 child, all of whom are 2 or younger. We were sitting at dinner, really enjoying conversation with each other, when our waitress came to our table to check up on us. She asked us if we were all from around here and we explained that we are from all over the U.S., and that we are here to receive training for living well abroad. Needing clarification, she asked, "so you all just met each other recently?" We said yes, to which she replied, "Wow! You all seem like such old friends!"

She was so amazed that it made me think... I'm sitting here with a group of people that I really did meet just 2 months ago, loving them as I love family, and feeling so intimately connected to each of their lives. Since Kyle and I got married, and especially since Corinth was born, we have really longed for people close to our age that we could "share" life with. My mom has told stories of the couples that she and my dad hung out with when they were first married, and I always wanted to have that for me and my husband as well.We have a few friends in similar life stages as us, but most of our friends are older and have older children.  

But, as I was sitting around the table tonight, I realized that I finally have that group of people. These are those people! I love all of my friends back home and wouldn't trade them for anything, but I am so thankful for the new friendships that I'm making, and for the fact that apart from Him, I know none of this would happen. He is Sovereign, and I am so blessed by the 'family' that He has allowed me to be a part of. I am so excited to visit with these people over our years of service, living life with each other (even from afar) and loving each other in so many ways. We love because He first loved us! Thanks be to Him.