It's been almost three years since we moved back. I remember distinctly asking God to send Jeremiah and I a couple that we could be friends with, and for friends for our children. I remember buying our small home that needed to be completely renovated and I remember the Harris Family jumping in and volunteering to help. Leigh Ann would stop by in the afternoon to see how things were going, chat for a few minutes and be on her way. And I remember God telling me, I've answered your prayer.
There were many things that brought us together: adoption, our children, Bible Study, our church but most of all our desire to die to self and live for Christ. It honestly began back in 2004 when Life Action Ministries came to our church the first time and our lives were forever changed. Then the Lord required a true test of faith as Jeremiah lost his job and we had to move in with his parents for nine months and depend completely on him. During this time God spoke to our family and called us to adopt a baby into our home. Separately but within weeks of each other, God was calling the Harris family to do the same thing. Then God led our family back to Watkinsville where he also brought our two families together to encourage one another and enjoy each other's company.
Since then we've been on Mission Trips together, enjoyed Christian concerts, eaten at Chick-Fil-A a whole lot and watched our children grow. We've prayed together, studied the Bible together and praised God in the good and in the bad. We've prayed them to China and back home, prayed for the sale of their business and for the Lord to lead them in the new direction in their life. We've prayed that they would raise support to join Life Action Ministries and for the sale of their home and the purchase of a new one. And now, God has answered all these prayers and it is time for them to go and fully begin living the call God has placed on their lives.
As I struggle for appropriate words to write, I realize I could never sum up how I truly feel in just a short post. I could not begin to describe what this friendship has meant to me, how much I love them and their family and how incredibly much I will miss them. And then, at the same time, how excited I am for them and the new life they have ahead of them and the impact they will make on the kingdom of God. Their testimony is one of forgiveness and mercy, faithfulness and trust and a love for Jesus Christ that surpasses most I know. As I continue to pray them on I know that my life has been blessed by our friendship and the love we share for each other and for Jesus Christ.
I've tried so hard not to cry and talk about it a lot as it upsets us all, but that doesn't mean I don't hurt inside and struggle with how to handle these mixed emotions. I've always treasured the time we've had together and all the more as they prepare to leave for Michiana on Monday morning. As we worship side by side one final time Sunday morning I will count this as such a blessing that God sent friends that aren't afraid to talk about spiritual matters and share from the heart. Transparent. Genuine. Loyal. Trustworthy. Loving. Gracious. Kind. Precious Friends.
