Friends

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

The first time I heard this song was the day Andy gave his resignation at our church in Washington.  I cried fountains of tears as I listened, and that song has a special place in my heart ever since.  The people in that church are very dear to us and we miss them terribly still, even though it's been 25 years since we've left.

So earlier this year, I had a strong urge to go see some of those friends again.  We checked to see if we had enough mileage points on our visa to get a ticket to Seattle and we were able to buy one for only $60.00.  Emails were exchanged and plans were made.  I believe it was January that the ticket was bought for a trip in June.  At the time, it seemed so far away, but time has a way of marching on.

I left for a mini vacation to see these friends on Thursday, June 7th, arriving in Seattle around 4:00 pm.  It's a long flight, taking up a full day, even with the 3 hour time difference.  What fun, though, to see my friend, Helene, again in person.  To sit together, face to face, and get caught up on what's been going on in our lives the last number of years.  Our families are grown up now, with families of their own and it was fun hearing how God had worked through the years we had been apart.

The next day, Friday, Helene and I drove down to Richland to meet up with our friend Jeanie.  The three of us had been very involved in women's ministries, planning our retreats and ladies' events at the church and had many fun and happy memories of working together.  But it was more than just working together on church events.  We also did things together as families.  They were our "family" since we were so many miles away from real cousins, parents, aunts and uncles.  A beautiful bond developed between us that was strong and lasting.

The next several days, Helene, Jeanie and I just spent time together.  We sat on Jeanie's deck, drinking lattes and tea, taking walks on the bike path by the Columbia River, eating out, exchanging recipes, picnicking, shopping, and just being together.  What a treat.  On Sunday, we went to church together.  Jeanie had arranged for a luncheon in one of the rooms at the church and invited people to stop by to visit with me.  How fun to see everyone again.