ode to twins-

Today i had the privilege of seeing MaV. & Steph and chatting for a bit, as they were in town to pick up the pups that had been hanging out with Abby and me these last few days. It was our last chat before i head up North on Friday, and really just the end of...something...that you can't quite describe. shel is now Mrs. Rockhill and honeymooning it up, (and i won't see her anymore before team) so we haven't exactly said "goodbye," but at least our "i'll be seeing you's." Even then, missing her like crazy, my stuff was still strewn about the house, the pups were here, everyone was in and out, so nothing had hit me yet. Nothing was really over.

...But, saying farewell to MaV.--even though we'll likely see her on the road some time this fall--means it's all really about to end. Thankfully, ends lend themselves to often great beginnings...For fear of spoiling anything with too many ill-chosen words, i should just say that the vanderents have been much more than landlords this past year, much more than parents of a friend. Thank you.

...You know you've been blessed and a part of something really good when you're told you'd better make this a quick goodbye.

...You know you've been blessed when the person on the other end of the hug doesn't let go.

...You know you've been blessed when the person on the other end of the hug starts to let go, but then has to hug you a good 3 or 4 more times before she finally leaves...

You just know.

...it seems there are some people that are so aware of Christ's love for them, that they're absolutely compelled to share it...i think that's what's up w/ MaV.--and her twin has the same thing going on. =0) With MaV. and Steph, being related is of little importance. They just meet you and love you and hug you. Beginning during the Hildebrandt visit to TX last year, i felt i really got the chance to be with Steph and really realize the greatness God's got going on in her. Steph has been such a comfort, such a support over this last year, especially with Youth Encounter...i've spent much time contemplating over the last few years what career i'm best suited for, where God can use me most effectively--even where i'd be the happiest, and Steph's parting words to me today were

"Go with God."

Though the world would tell you the opposite, i think it really may be this simple. Go with God. Don't run ahead of Him. Don't drag Him along behind. Don't sit so still He has to yell your name to see if you're still on your way, to see if you plan on catching up. Don't always try to get directions out of Him before the road trip begins. Just go with Him. Wherever you are. In each moment. How do you do that? Be with Him. Pray. Read the Bible. Worship. Fellowship with other Christians. Be in His presence and it's hard to be on the wrong track...Best advise i've heard in a long time. Thank you.

Thank you both. Much love. Christ's love.

A