This is me. Almost 10 years ago...during my year in YWAM. Has it really been that long?!!I had just graduated from Virginia Tech two weeks earlier. I had just said goodbye to all of my beloved college friends and of course, my family. I boarded a plane headed to Texas. And sat by myself on a 2 hour plane ride... unsure, but excited about what the Lord had for me in the next stage of life. I was ready. I was passionate. I was open to whatever.
This is the group of people that became my DTS (Discipleship Training Program) family. 100 of us, I think. Not including the full-time staff. I'm in the back. Three people to the left of the woman holding up her arm. ...and WAY over at the left side, three people in, is Valerie (hugging Sylvia). Take note that we are not standing near each other. ;)
My dear friend, Valerie. She, like me, was there for both phases of YWAM's first year. DTS and SOE (School of Evangelism). During the first phase, though we roomed together and occasionally hung out...we weren't good FRIENDS. We ran in different circles. We had different focuses.
But then she came back for the second phase. And something happened. Something that I never would have expected. Something that I am forever greatful DID happen. We became really, really close friends.
I make friends easily. And when I do, they remain a part of my heart; I like to stay in touch. But for whatever reason, though I really liked Val, I never would have guessed that we'd still be going strong TEN years later! (did you, Valerie?)
Thankfully, God has more of an imagination than I do!! Because she and I have shared many of life's major milestones together. This lady introduced me to my husband. We got married weeks apart. We were pregnant with our first babies together. Saw each other through a few miscarriages. And had one very large misunderstanding. (*wink*) And we now face our first year of homeschooling "together"...via email since we don't live near each other. She is a true friend.
Okay, Val. Seriously, I LOOKED for pictures of us together during ywam...and even from the time since then! And came up with nothing. Did we even take any?! I guess the times that we were bonding...talking over deep stuff...we weren't exactly carrying around a camera? Huh. Go figure. "Um excuse me. I know you're crying here. Pouring your heart out and all. But you mind just holding that thought and posing for the camera?" Um yeah. Not happening.
But I did find this one. I took it right before we all left for our different countries. Me to Russia. You to Brazil. Bless Trent's heart. He was such a good sport. :) Valerie is the head directly above Ladies-Man-Trent (so not his personality). AND consequently, Jen is the girl in blue. Sylvia is the blond girl in red.
Well, today (the day before my birthday) I got a package in the mail. A *surprise* package. From my friend. ;) Even now, I get a little misty eyed thinking about it. You are too sweet.
It's perfect. "Pretend" chocolate...you know, since I'm still losing baby weight and all. But Charis (4) just couldn't figure out why someone would want to write a book 'about chocolate'. She wanted to eat some. Oh yeah, she's all girl.
Thank you, Valerie. I love you. I cherish our friendship. I look forward to hanging out with you "soon" when we come up for the holidays. Though yes, I know you're not holding your breath. *laugh/wink*
7 comments:
"We had different focuses" By that do you mean You were there for God and I was there for everything else (short of the food)? :) I'm grateful for DTS and the friends I made there, but more so for God giving me a kick in the rear for SOE. That was a huge learning experience. I am so glad you were there to share it all with me. Many nights you were there for me.. to laugh, cry, pray, and listen to me scream about "guarding my heart" ;)
And yes, I take all of the credit for introducing you to Jet. Once again, your welcome. :) I do owe you a thank you for the wonderful words you gave me while I was questioning my interest in Roger. ME:"Look Christin, he's cute, right? I just don't know, I still like 'what's his face'"
YOU: "Oh my gosh, he is SO cute, look at those dimples! Go for it, invite him over...."
And that started the Valerie, Roger, Jet and Christin foursome. I was engaged first. You bought your dress first. :)
Thank you for all you are in my life. You are a wonderful friend. Are you SURE you don't want to move back down to TX? I loved having you as a neighbor.
Oh, and I'll dig up some fun pictures... don't you worry. I was a picture taker heheheheHAHAHAHAHAhohohohoho :)
Hope you had a wonderful birthday. XoXo
Valerie
okay, you are here-by BANNED from posting ANY and ALL pictures of me during ywam. I remember what kind of pictures you took, oh-roomie-of-mine. You hear me? BANNED, I say!! ;)
I love this post! Especially since I made a photo on your blog. Haha. Val, I was totally at DTS for the food - ok, maybe just the biscuits and gravy.
I too can hardly believe it was ten whole years ago. Crazy! I would have to say that it would have to be ten years ago for me to wear that camo jacket. Wow.
Thanks for the memories, Christin! Happy, happy birthday! Here's to you and to many more years of friendship with Val. ;)
...and many more years of friendship with YOU as well. I'M still holding out that you'll move to my neck of the country. :)
What great memories! I am reminded of the deep friendships I have had...there are certainly no friends like those "who knew you when..."
Thanks for sharing your memories with us!
I LOVE IT! This brings back sooo many memories! I was at the time NOT there for the food and not fully there for God apparently. Lucky for me though God was there for me, and so much of what I thought I DIDN'T learn has come through in the darkest of times, I guess I WAS listening in the midst of the note passing. I am so thankful for that time in my life and thankful that even though I was maybe not 100% with it someone else was, He is good!! I love that you found a picture with all of us in it! How fun. I am teary eyed as I think of those few short months of my life that hold such a big place in my heart. I will never forget walking into the dorm for the first time and seeing your name on the little "pouches" on the wall outside our room. I was scared to death and then I saw that and somehow felt better. I didn't know you, but we had the same last name! That had to be good!!! Happy Birthday Christin, hope you had a wonderful day!
Syl- I'm soooo glad that we got to room together those few months!! Still hard for me to believe that someone can be so implanted in your heart after such a short amount of time. I guess it was the DEPTH of the season of our lives. love to you
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