Sweet Friendships...

To and from my time in Indiana I had the chance to spend some time with my college roommate, Allie.  Allie has been one of my closest friends since I met her my sophomore year at Taylor.  Allie, my other roommate, Renee, and I lived together for two years and both of them know me better than most people in this world. 


They have loved me, encouraged me, taught me to be more like Jesus, and we have walked through many things together.  We are now wives and mothers, and we're still praying for each other, keeping each other accountable, and trying to give Him glory in all we do.   Distance and schedules make it difficult, but we still talk on a weekly basis, even after all these years, send Monday check-in/prayer request emails, and try to see each other as often as we can. 

Back in March, Allie was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia and within hours her world had been turned upside down.  She has undergone chemotherapy and is beginning the process of starting a bone marrow transplant at the end of this month.  She has three precious little girls, a wonderful husband, a close-knit family, and has seen overwhelming support from friends and acquaintances over the last few months.  We are all praying for the Lord to heal her body and allow her to recover from this disease.  We know He is capable and Allie has remained such a positive inspiration to many, trusting the Lord and His plan for her life.  She has been keeping a blog as a way of updating her family and friends and you can read more about what she been walking through HERE. 
It has been so incredibly hard to be so far away while my dear friend is going through all of this.  I was thankful for the chance to spend a few days with her and her family....Renee was even able to drive down from Detroit so the "roommates" could reunite again.  Our time together went too fast, as it always does, but we had some good talks, hugs, and tears.  It's been fun to see our kids grow and to have them interact.  We're hoping they will become buddies in the years to come.

Sam didn't know what to think of Henry...and Henry had a hard time understanding that Sam wasn't quite ready for his roughness.  :)

I also had the chance to see my other college roommate, Lindsay, and her little boys during my time in Indiana...She too has been my sounding board, biggest cheerleader, wisdom-giver, and knows me better than most people in my life. 


We were pregnant the same time last year and our boys are just weeks apart.  I have shown pictures of our visits....I always feel bad because I just pop in and out, never giving her much warning NOR allowing her to set the schedule for the day I'm there.  But she and her husband Chris are always welcoming and we alwasy enjoy great conversation and lots of laughs while I'm there.  :)
Remember this?

Then this?

Now this:


The boys had such a great time playing with one another...It was good to have Henry around some boys his own size.  They could handle his rough-ness...








This just makes me smile... :)


Love you guys...can't wait for our next visit.  Hopefully Pete can be along the next time!!

***I also had the opportunity to see my dear friends - Valerie and Jenny while I was in Indy.  I didn't take a picture of our times together!  Jenny - I LOVED being able to meet sweet Julianna and the time we had to catch up.  You are doing an amazing job and are a wonderful mama!  Hoping a move to NC is in your future!  ;).  Valerie - loved being able to see you (thanks for carving out time in your busy schedule!) and glad I had the chance to meet Michelle.  Wish we had more time to visit...   To my other Indy and Ft. Wayne friends....PLEASE don't get upset if I didn't get to see you!  My time was rushed and I tried to keep most of my time in Indiana to "family-time."  Hopefully next time we are in town we can see each other.