Friends

"I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Pooh.

"I wish I were there to be doing it too."

-Winnie the Pooh

I'm a friend for life kinda' gal. When I was a little girl making friends did not always come easily for me, and maybe it's for that reason that I held on tight to the ones I had. I think as time went on I got better and better, but truth be told I've always been just a little on the shy side around new people. For all these reasons I think God having Nate join the military was kinda' like a big joke on me. All the things that have made me uncomfortable most of my life were suddenly completely unavoidable. Moving, making new friends, being in new places were all just a part of the new routine. It stretched me, challenged me, it was hard on me and in the process it made me better and brought me closer to God. He gifted me with things I didn't think were possible, one of those being friends. We moved to new places knowing we wouldn't be there long and at times I just wrote off making friends, thinking there just wasn't enough time...but I was always pleasantly surprised. Almost everywhere we have lived I have left with at least a couple of friends that I know will be a part of our lives forever (even if it's just by blog or email!)

When we moved here two and a half years ago I was pretty down in the dumps. We were leaving behind some of the best friends we'd made in a while and I was feeling pretty bummed about the pattern of loving and leaving that was evolving in our life. But, I didn't have long to feel sorry for myself because we had new friends waiting right around the corner. Janelle welcomed me to Oak Harbor with open arms (she has often said she didn't give me a choice as to whether or not we would be friends) but I am so glad for that!! Carter left behind her first real friend in Jacksonville but had a couple of new buddies to quickly get to know when we arrived here. Sadly, they hit the road today for a new adventure. But, we are realizing goodbyes come with the territory in this military lifestyle and it is all just part of the game. Carter got to spend the afternoon with Cooper yesterday, I know she'll miss her buddy, they've done quite a bit of growing up together. Carter and Cooper 2007...

and 2009...

We also got to have a girl's night out for dinner with Janelle...

What can I say, other than the OH just won't be the same without you! As hard as saying goodbye can be I am so thankful for all the friends God has placed along our path as we travel this road. You're never far from my mind...