Friends are friends forever!

One of the highlights of this journey is the opportunity to connect with people who have been an important part of my life over the years. I had lunch today with a special friend. Kara was a youth in the youth group at VPC when I was an intern in 1994 and she hasn't changed a bit - though her life has changed immensely. She and her husband, Doug, have three beautiful girls - Avery, Rachel and Emerson.
It was so much fun to see her as an adult - and a parent. She is such a great mom! I had fun holding Emerson, reading to Rachel and helping the girls get ready for nap/rest time. I can't believe it has been 14 years since I met Kara and 11 years since I left northern Virginia and yet, it seemed like no time had passed. She is such a blessing to me!

Cynthia and I invited our friend, Gina, over for dinner. Gina is another one of those special people in my life but we had a senior moment (& a great laugh) when neither one of us could remember how we became such good friends. She didn't even come to VPC until 1995 and even though I worked in Burke from 1995-1997, we can't remember how we got to know eachother so well. We decided it was better that neither one of us could remember - otherwise, it would be offensive. :) Gina and Garren have four beautiful boys - though I only got to see pictures. Maybe next time I come I'll get to meet the boys.

It was a fabulous week in Northern Virginia. I didn't get to see all of the people that I would like to have seen but I'm grateful for those friends that I did get to spend time with.