friends

 Suddenly it's been days without writing, though it does my heart and mind so good. 

A lot has been pushed to the back burner this week, but not because of illness or an overly busy schedule. Aunt Sharon was here last weekend while Matt was teaching in Mexico, and Shelley has been here a few days this week and leaves tomorrow. 

Being with old friends, dear friends, Haiti friend, family friends, has caused me to sit down...to let go...to spend intentional time...to say "no" to a few things and let a few things pile up, and it's been so sweet. Lots of laughter and lots of tears, lots of memories and lots of prayers.  

Being with them makes me long for the days of Haiti that no longer exist...not because we are not there, but because they are gone. The days of being able to travel. The days of finding fuel and food. The days of communities living without fear...I long for those sweet days again of walking our babies through villages to pray with precious families...

Being with Shelley and Sharon, Haiti-shared aside, is rich in every way.  They love the Lord first. They model Christian marriage and family. They offer counsel, wise and loving. They see what I don't see and help me ponder, they push in places I shouldn't be comfortable, they encourage in places I've been so struggling. They affirm what He has already said, and live it, too.

They also help with homeschool, loved on each of the babies, filled gaps, folded clothes, washed dishes, and even got to wash throw-up sheets...and then stayed up late to sit with me.

I am so grateful for these women in my life...and both in one week?!? It's been a long, hard season, and the Lord took care to love me well and send me sisters to lift me up, as I needed. 

We are not a very fun vacation...sharing a bathroom with four kiddos and always so much to clean and do, never a quiet moment, but they worked to make sure I got a shower and a baby break, and I'm just so thankful for the richness of their friendship...using their days and miles and time and energy on us.

Quality time is my love-language, and I feel loved. I forget.

I'm going to start writing more...it truly is the thing I do for myself, and never prioritize...here goes. 

Go love on someone undeserving.  We need each other.