Friends

We head to the U.S. in a week!  In preparation for this big change, we have been taking the time to visit with many friends.  We have spent meaningful evenings over meals visiting with people we have gotten to know over the past three and a half years.  Friends who have helped us in so many ways, learning language and culture and just being supportive as we have become acquainted with this new place.

My good friend, Alisha, and her son came over last week.  It had been a long time since we had seen her and it was so easy to pick up where we left off.  Her son is a special playmate of Josiah and Jacob, and Alisha has been not only a huge help to us in finding a househelper, apartment, hairdresser, etc. but has also been a good friend who cares about our well being.  She was an immediate answer to prayer, almost two years ago, when I met her on the playground.  

Gailin and her husband also came over a couple weeks ago.  We met her three and a half years ago, when we first visited the university where Jared is a student.  She works in the office and has taken care of our student visas and other school stuff each year.  Last summer she had a little girl and as she has joined the realm of motherhood, she and I have spent more and more time visiting.  I have appreciated her friendship and insight into child care and rearing here in Asia.  She also has been understanding and helpful to me as a mom, raising kids in a second culture. 

So thankful for these friendships!