Friends Across The Seas

When I went off to college, I went to a small school where I basically knew no one.  I think there were maybe 2 people from my high school that went to the same college as me.  Most of my high school friends went to large colleges and universities where they knew many others.

Since I basically didn't know anyone, I was doing the "potluck" roommate thing, where you are at the mercy of some college life office to place you in a room with someone who hopefully isn't too crazy.

My potluck roommate, Katie, ended up being one of the best things that happened to me at college.

And, she wasn't too crazy!

(I hope she can say the same thing for me).

Katie lives overseas and I haven't seen her in four years (the time she initially moved).  Her oldest daughter was less than a year at the time. Her and her husband, Chris, and (now) 2 kids are back for a few months and I got to see them this past week.  And our kids got to meet each other and play.

It was so wonderful to see them all.  I spent the whole day with her and only scratched the surface of what I wanted to ask and talk to her about (Does she still have the chapstick habit? Does she still dance to Arethra Franklin?  Does she still watch reruns of The Cosby Show and Fullhouse?  Is "super" still her favorite adjective of all time?  You know, important questions!) 

She is such a dear friend and I was so thrilled to catch up with her.

our oldest kids - instant buds

sweet hugs

right before the fire ant incident of 2012

Glimmers

Most days as a parent, I pretty much am keenly aware of all the things I'm not doing well.  Or the things the kids are doing too much of (tv) or too little of (veggies).

Yesterday morning, I was trying to hurry to make an appointment.  I was doing all the last minute scurrying and Little Miss started crying in the other room.  This is not unusual.  I could tell it was more of a disgruntled cry than a something-is-really-wrong cry.  So, I did my typical, "What's wrong, sweetie?" and "I'll be right there" lines while I quickly trying to get everything together.

I went to check on her a minute later and I saw Happy holding her head and leaning in towards her.  At first, I thought he had her in a headlock.  But as I got closer, I could hear him saying something quietly to her and then he said an exuberant, "Amen!". 

I realized he was praying for her because she was upset. How precious.

When I don't know how to comfort my children or I can't get them to calm down, I just pray for them. Happy was doing the same for Little Miss.

It was a sweet glimmer of hope and an encouragement to me.