When i left for Egypt in march 2006, one of the many things i was praying for those next 2 years were girlfriends. specifically 1 girlfriend per every place i lived. i would be spending some significant time in richmond, VA and then on to egypt for almost a year. then i would head to a place that i didn't know at the time but proved to be lebanon (the land that owns my heart). God answered that prayer abundantly. i had one of the best experiences in my life at training in richmond and spent most every day with 1 girlfriend who is still one of my closest friends today. when i arrived in egypt i knew NO ONE but soon met that 1 girlfriend. her name is sarah and she is pictured with me above. we had some amazing times and experiences together and even saw each other through one of the hardest times in our life. it was so easy and natural with us. we defined it by saying that we would be friends in america, not just b/c we are on the same team. after sarah and i were both fluent in the arabic language (ha!) we headed to our new homes and would see each other one just more time before we headed back to america. but we stayed close, i would even say got closer. once i arrived in lebanon, God went above my request a gave me many girlfriends, one amazing roommate and then another. He really is good.
Since returning to america i have realized that girlfriends- true girlfriends- are pretty hard to come by. i have always had the pleasure of having a huge social group surrounding me in charlotte, tons of girlfriends and there was always something to do. when anticipating coming back, this was one of the things i was MOST excited about and never thought to pray for. it was my expectation b/c it was the way things had always been. but when i actually settled in i realized things had changed. somehow all of those close girlfriends were spread around america and the world. if i wanted that true heart connection i would i have to travel to arkansas, the Y, wake-forest, florida or lebanon. my closest friends in my hometown these days are my family and matt of course:) and i am so thankful for them.
Sarah lives in arkansas now and was able to visit this weekend. we had the best time. well, before i starting throwing-up that is. but even in that, i knew it would be ok. she is an amazing friend and even if we are just talking while i am laying in bed moaning from pain. Sarah is a true kindred spirit and i am so thankful for her and the rest of you spread out around the world.
