A Dear Friend

I titled this post, A Dear Friend, because that's what Heather is to me.  Heather and I go way back.  We met at high school in a typing class.  We have been friends ever since even though our lives took different paths.  Actually I shouldn't say that, spiritually God lead us down the same paths but the timing was just different and the events that has us where we are today are different.  We both married Christian men, have devoted our lives to raising children who stand for Christ, decided to home school and are serving the Lord in various ways.  We love to talk about parenting methods, theology, good food, and old times.  

Our lives look different because my husband and I moved to Texas to join Gospel for Asia (a missions organization) and Heather's husband just recently died unexpectedly. Did I just say "died"?  Yes, Eric went to heaven to be with his Saviour a year and a half ago.  They had just adopted 2 children from Liberia the year prior to his passing and had celebrated 20 years of marriage. It is really a wonderful story even though it sounds so sad. 

 So we are experiencing different events in our lives but still have so much to talk about. Heather is by far, one of my dearest friends. 

I was so excited about Heather driving out here from California to visit me, I could hardly stand it!  Her children are wonderful and we always enjoy seeing this family.

One of the first things we did was visit Gospel for Asia where Rich works.  Heather and her family have been supporters of ours and the ministry for years.  Whenever we go to California to visit our families, we have had the privilege of staying with the Davis's.  She always manages to pull some friends together for us to share with about GFA and her oldest son organized a bike-a-thon at their church to raise money to donate towards needs in India.

I love this picture of Heather and her two oldest girls.  Becca on the left is 20 years old and is an incredible helper to Heather.  She loves to cook and sew.  Both Becca and her mom have an eye for color and design.  Becca is thinking of starting her own sewing business designing clothes and I think she will be fabulous at it.  She also wants to learn to cut hair.  

Mallory (right) is 15 and she and I talked a lot this visit.  I feel like I got to know her a bit better than I did.  She has an interest in missions and other countries.  She is thinking of being a midwife and helping moms in other countries deliver their babies!  She is also interested in homeopathic medicine. I'm so excited to see where God leads her.

I just had to post this picture because it came out so good.  AJ is so good looking (a mom's opinion!) and he has always been known for his smile.

Lobby of Gospel for Asia.

Joel and Rich took us on a short tour.  This is Heather's children (minus her oldest son).

Ok, oldest to youngest. This is Rebecca (she goes by Becca).  Her brother, Nathan (18), couldn't come on this part of the trip but he will be meeting up with them later.  They are traveling for 7 weeks seeing different places along the east coast!

Mallory (15)

Paige (14 this month) is only 13 months younger than her sister Mallory.  She is blond and blue eyed just like her Dad.  Mallory and Paige were so close in age they should have been like twins but their coloring is nothing alike.

For those wondering what Olivia looks like with contacts, here she is!  She and Paige are one day apart!  They have been kindred spirits their whole lives!

Olivia and Paige got no sleep while they were visiting.  Too much to talk and laugh about!

Here are the boys.  AJ, Reece and Joe (9) built forts and had gun fights.  My boys could not get enough of Joe.  Reece wanted them to stay for a year (he told me).  

This is Joe and Gabbie. I hope I'm spelling her name right?  Gabbie is 3 and aren't their smiles wonderful!

Gabbie performing for the camera.  She loves putting on a show and being the center of attention.  Not in an annoying way but she is actually quite funny.

We'll just say, she is not shy at all!  Our family really loved getting to know her better too.

My only regret is that I wish they could have stayed longer but I know we will be visiting California again sometime soon.  We will see them again.  

Love you guys!

Kristin