One of the most precious parts of this pre-field phase of ministry is the opportunities it affords us to spend time with friends and family. This past weekend we were able to spend time with my dear college friend, Jen and her family. We spoke at a church and met with a pastor in her home town of South Hill, VA, and in between appointments Jen and I were able to catch up and recharge our batteries.
Since 1998 Jen has been one of my dearest friends. Each of us has gone through life's joys and trials with the other playing a significant supporting role. We have prayed and loved each other through college relationships, engagements, weddings, pregnancies, newborns, toddlers, marriages, and all of life's ups and downs. Not many things happen in my life that I don't pick up the phone to call Jen. We truly have watched each other grow up, but when we are together it seems as though we are still teens.
This past weekend, it seemed surreal that, together we have seven children ages eight and under. It was so much fun to see our kids play together and to get to love on each other's babies. However, the moments were bitter sweet for me. As awesome as it was to spend time with a dear friend, I was acutely aware that such moments will become fewer, and harder to come by as we make our move towards a life of full time ministry in Lesotho.
As I watched Jen and her family this past weekend, I was so proud of her. It was almost as though I felt I could leave her now. She has grown into an amazing woman. She has become a godly, loving wife and mother. She is strong, and patient, and humble. She is going to do be just fine in life, but I sure am going to miss being right by her side while she lives it.
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