Bible Study Fellowship has enriched my life in many ways. It has deepened my knowledge of scripture. It has provided a place for my children to learn about the character of God and His Word. I’ve been blessed by the teaching of wonderful godly women. I’ve had years of excellent small group leaders as well as times with poor ones. I’ve grown and studied and learned under all of them.
One precious treasure BSF has given me is some dear, dear friendships. This week I was able to visit one of these friends. Amy and I met in our BSF class years ago (I’m afraid to add up the years). We lived near each other, had similar backgrounds of growing up in the church, and were both in the beginning of raising our young families. I had two small children and she had one. Now I have five and she has four. Where have the years gone?
Every year we return to Michigan for a visit, I always carve out the time to see Amy and her sweet family. It is such a joy to be with an old friend (not that either of us are old, of course not). The conversation is natural and nearly without pause. The only interruption comes from the children. After we had been there for some time, Amy’s oldest asked her, “How long have you been talking?†I’m sure in his mind we couldn’t possibly have anything left to say. Silly child. 
Amy’s new home is beautiful, relaxed and comfortable. Amy is just the same herself. It was delightful spending the afternoon with her. The children played inside, went for a walk to the park, had popsicles, came inside, watched tv, played games, and then went back outside for more fun. I tried to borrow Amy’s set of clippers to do Daniel’s hair. She got it out and then remembered she needed to use them this week. At the last minute (literally the children were all getting into the van) I decided to cut Daniel’s hair. I can’t believe I forgot to ask Rachel to take pictures. We all went to the back yard (except Joshua who thought it would be more fun to wilt, swelter and melt in the van, waiting for us) and I cut Daniel’s hair right there on the patio.
You know it’s a true friend when you can borrow hair clippers and give your son an impromptu hair cut in the back yard. Tim teased me and said we sure like to go a long way for a hair cut. First it was the girls, and now Daniel’s got his Michigan cut. Who’s next?? The only downside is it’s going to be expensive to continue flying to Michigan to keep up with my highlights and the rest of the family’s trims.
Thankfully I have good friends that are always ready with an open home and welcome smile.
Thanks for the lovely visit, Amy!!
Kathy
Project 365 – Day 170
Thanks for the lovely words! I had a wonderful time also. I am glad you prefaced the “old friends” because I was getting worried whether we were old or our friendship is old. Either way you guys are always welcome at our home!!!
Oh, I forgot to say what a lovely waterfall background taken by Rachel. Thanks Rachel!
Sweet friendship with Amy, Katherine. I remember when Cindy and I stayed a night at her house in SA. I am thinking of the right Amy, eh?
I love you Edgrens and Moores. See you tomorrow! Love, Aunt Kate
Aunt Kate – that was actually Jen of Jen and Dave (also very sweet friends that used to be in our Bible study). You did meet Amy when we did a Mary Kay party here at Mom’s house one time. Amy joined us. She actually looks quite a bit like Jen (dark hair, smiling, young).
Amy – you’re right, I should have given Rachel credit for the great picture of us. The pond and waterfall were the perfect background for some lovely pictures.
What a gift to have such wonderful friends. So glad you were able to fit in a visit!
We also have some great “old” friends that we love to visit whenever we have the opportunity. Over the years we’ve had three very close friends move away! It’s so nice to see them. We just pick up where we left off like no time at all has passed!
Kathy, the BSF studies sound wonderful. I looked them up on line and there are none anywhere near us.
What a blessing to have a friend like this, Kathy. I find myself rather surprised when I (remember to) count the years.
What’s with the haircuts on vacation? Is THIS what your dc will remember, ‘we went to Michigan and got haircuts!’ lol