Best Friends and Skittles.

I truly am blessed to have some very sweet, amazing friends. Since being in Rwanda, I think God has really shown me what real friendship is and who those friends are. Certain friends have truly strengthened me through their encouraging e-mails, packages, letters, and phone calls more then they know.

One of the hardest parts about being far away is missing out on big events both in my family and friends lives. For instance, I missed some of my close friends Laura and Shawn and another dear friend Pete get married. I will also miss my nephew turn two. Little or big things like that can some times be the hardest to miss. One of the other hard parts is just being away from some of my best friends. I deeply value those girls who have stuck by my side over the years and I just want to be close to them. After I left, my best friend Jesse and I literally weeped at missing one another. I have sent more e-mails just saying I miss you then I ever have before. I miss being a few minutes away and being able to grab dinner whenever we want. It is even hard to catch one another on the phone, especially when internet is slow and not readily available. Don't forget to add to that the difference in timezones. When I am available most people are in the middle of their work day or when they are available I am either asleep or in the middle of mine. Life here does not make staying in touch an easy task, but it does makes you appreciate and value you when things are easy and friends are close. But, like I said if there is one thing God has shown me, he has shown me what true friends look like. He has also given a lot of grace to keep some of those friendships going. Thank you Lord.

Today, I smiled and felt so blessed by one of dearest friends Becky because I received a BIG package from her. This girl, is amazing and continues to be a strong encourager in my life. She keeps me going. In the package was many of my favorite things, most importantly skittles! I love skittles. She also wrote me a card a reminded me of who I am and what our friendship has meant. It really meant a lot to me, but I think more importantly, what means more to me, is the actually friendship with people like Becky. Those friendships keep me going and give me the strength and the encouragement to continue in running hard here in Rwanda.