Tennessee Weekend

I was spoiled the last weekend of March and first weekend of April by getting to spend time with my kindred spirits and family in Christ in the town where I attended college. We usually only see each other every six months, or so, due to distance and the everyday busyness of life. Two weekends in a row reminded me how deeply I miss seeing them every day.

Jennalyn and I enjoyed a hike through the woods Friday afternoon.

Jennalyn spotted an owl way up high in a tree.

Our walks as friends have taken us on many adventures these past seven years.

We sat by the river and discussed education, adoption, and seeking the will of God. I love friendship conversations that challenge and inspire.

I am immeasurably blessed to have met Jennalyn seven years ago when we arrived on campus freshman year. She is smart, creative, a gifted artist, curious, adventurous, compassionate, thoughtful, and funny.

Even though we live hundreds of miles apart now, she is always there when I need to gleefully tell exciting news, vent, complain, work through anger, disappointment, or confusion, make decisions, or simply discuss recipes, travel plans, and books. 

She would, without question, jump in her car and drive any distance, or board a plane or ship, if I needed her.

She taught me the value of a hug---hello, goodbye, group, happy, sad, anytime, anywhere.

We laugh until we can't breathe; call each other out on bad attitudes, unwise decisions, and unchristlike behavior; debate, discuss, and could manage to find watching paint dry to be fun and interesting if we were together.

A friendship created by God.

 Sisters in Christ.

The can of bear spray I carried with me on all those hikes in Glacier last summer is still in use. We have wild dogs, hogs, and some crazy people in the south.

Enjoying an art lesson with Jennalyn.

I was blessed to spend the weekend with a family that I did not know very well in college.
I got to know them better, and they are kind, generous, hospitable, and fun, and have three of the sweetest kids on earth!  

Jennalyn's masterpiece for the wall behind the baptistry.

Jennalyn and her helpers.

It is great to have an artist for a best friend! My home will never lack beautiful paintings on the walls. Jennalyn, I'm still waiting for a painting of a goldfinch. :)