You've got a friend.

During our visit to Georgia,  we were able to spend time with sweet friends.  I mentioned seeing the Lancasters on our way to Rome.  Monday, we went to lunch with a couple who is very precious to our family, Frank and Shirley Gore.  They were members of our church in Georgia and just loved on our family as if we were their own.  When David first began as the senior pastor, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Shirley would take David, Carter, Summer and me to eat at Red Lobster about once a month.  It wasn't long before Tilly joined us on our dinner dates, and then Story came along, too!  They were not the least bit overwhelmed or deterred by our growing family.  I love that about them.  

We also got to spend time with our sweet friends, the Stricklens.  David and I first met Chris and Jessica when we moved to Atlanta for David to serve on staff at First Baptist Atlanta.  David and Chris were both in their Minister in Residence program, which was a one-year internship.  At the end of the program, Chris and Jessica moved to Berry College, where they began to work at Winshape.  It was so great to spend time with them and their two children, Noah, 5 and Caroline, 4.  Our two boys especially hit it off!  

These two became fast friends and spent lots of time hiking and exploring at Berry.  On the last day, it was kind of pitiful to watch these two say goodbye.  Jessica and I overheard them saying to each other, "Don't worry, I'll see you in heaven!" So sweet!  

The girls had a fun time playing with Caroline.  She was so sweet to share her toys and dress up clothes with the girls.  We also made lots of new friends at our church home for the week.  The people at Fairview Baptist Church were so loving and kind to our family.  I am so thankful that they are a part of our story now.  For so long, the people of this church have been faithful to pray for our family.  It was so nice to finally meet them and spend time with them for the week.  You know how sometimes you meet someone, and it feels like you've known them your whole life?  That's how it was!  What a sweet church family who really embraced our party of six this week.  So thankful for them!