Friendship - No Distance Too Great

I have learned many lessons in my life, but today I was reminded of one of the most important lessons: True Friendship.

Even though the email I received from my good friend Jo was not directed just to me, it blessed me nonetheless. How is it that two people can live such different lives in many ways, yet have the exact same heart at the same time? Joanna, this one's for YOU!

I have known Jo for less than a year and a half of my whole life, yet she has made one of the greatest impacts on me. The first time I met her, God impressed upon my heart that "She is close-friend material." We were introduced at A330 2004 in March, and she jumped all over me with hugs and smiles even though she didn't know me anymore than she knew my love for Granny Smith apples. Little did I know the things we would experience the summer to come.

Last summer I spent my second 10 weeks at Snow Mountain Ranch in the Rockies with about 90 other college students. To make a long story short, Joanna was one person who spent that summer walking through life with me. We were in the same leaders Bible study where we explored a deeper knowledge and understanding of Christ our Savior. We were accountability partners, discussing our goals and asking each other if we were sticking to them. We spent many early mornings once a week praying together for everything and everything our hearts felt inspired to pray. We slipped into swimming suits and hit the pool, while other times we hit the mudslide behind Silversage Lodge until we were caked with mud from head to toe, literally. Then there were those moments of tears as we shed the deep hurt in our lives, confessed sin before the Lord and one another, were broken and hurting for the lost of this world, and rejoicing with tears of thanksgiving for the salvation we saw happen in countless lives around us.

That summer will live on in my heart for years to come, I hope. As we have both gone back to finish college, Jo at the University of Iowa and myself at the University of Northern Iowa, God has kept us connected. It is amazing how much I have seen God answer prayers that we petitioned Him for during that summer, and even today we are experiencing the fruit of those requests. As Jo heads for Japan this winter and I remain here in Iowa for a season, I pray God would let friendship in Him live on for years. I have learned that God can keep us connected, and I have learned that a true friend is one who would be there at the drop of a hat and one who would support another, even though miles and miles may separate them.

Jo, our reunions have and will continue to be a "fresh wind and fresh fire" to my spirit, and I trust it is only because of the Lord and the Holy Spirit. What a blessing to have such a faithful friend in you. I pray that no matter where life takes us or what we have to go through to get there, that we will be friends through it all. You are a blessing and a joy. I dedicate today's entry to you, my good friend!

Peace be with you.