the gift of long-term and long-distance friends

This past May marked five years since I graduated from college. If I stop to think, I can't even believe that it's been five years. Much has been accomplished, God has worked so amazingly...

I loved my college experience and feel it prepared me well to be a teacher, leader, and student.

Mostly, though, it gave me friends. 

The memories I shared with my college friends during those critical four years have provided a foundation I will cherish forever. We laughed so much, cried plenty, learned, struggled, prayed, adventured. Together. Side by side. In each others' rooms, on the college lawns, in each others' cars, and with each others' families. Through boyfriends, classes, internships, studies abroad, heartache, and joy. Skipping, giggling, watching chick flicks on repeat, eating long dinners together in Garlock, studying/cramming late into the night. 

Since graduation, we've gone separate ways and a lot of miles lie between us. This past year, though, we've grown together a lot. Trial by fire, as they say. We've been through a miscarriage, cross-country moves, job losses, a precious wedding, serious health troubles, and deaths of parents.

 

On Friday two of my favorites came to visit Joel and me for the weekend. As they drove away this morning I took a deep breath and praised the Lord for this precious gift.

Not everyone gets friends like these.