A special family came over for dinner tonight. We would like to spend a bit more time with them because over the few years since we met them in church, our children and theirs have become good friends. And I found a very good friend in Carol, the mom of this lovely family. I have been immensely encouraged by her stories, her experience and her love for the Lord. What started as a simple playgroup for our kids turned out to be one of the most meaningful friendships I ever have. Our meetings are scarce but well-spent for it is always for me a refreshing, exhorting and definitely encouraging time. I am not a very sociable person and so is my husband. We have very few friends yet we feel blessed that the ones God provided for us here in Colombo while we were away from home are really for a lifetime to keep. They are our family away from home.

I remember during our first year here in Colombo, we have been attending a church for many months yet I have not developed meaningful friendships and felt very isolated. I have prayed for a friend and God gave us this family with whom we share so many things in common, I believe. It didn't take long for me to consider them a part of us. They homeschool, too. And from the many stories we have shared about parenting, discipleship, faith and spiritual growth, about many things.. I learned so much from them. I praise our God in His goodness gave us not just friends but more like a family. They took my children in when I had to go through surgery. God has shown us His goodness and love through this family, the Raneys. Paul, Carolyn, Caleb and Micah, may our paths cross again someday through God's Providence.

They gave us a song.. a beautiful one. A prayer. Psalm 91.

We utter the same for them.

On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas

Isaiah 40:31

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,

and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

21 days before we leave Sri Lanka.