A weekend connecting with friends old and new!

Last Monday there was snow covering the ground yet this past weekend the temperature was up in the 70's. That's spring time in Virginia. Saturday I had the great joy of having lunch with four women who keep me on track in life. I know they are each a great gift from above to me. Chip came through town on the way back home from North Carolina giving us a great excuse to get together. Chip was one of my teachers last fall while I was in training. We both went to Girl Scout Camps and were camp counselors and just hit it off from the very beginning. She has traveled extensively around the world teaching and training and generously sharing her wisdom. I count her as one of my closes friends now and am ever so thankful our paths crossed. Lois is a dear friend who has been there during the trials and tribulations of life as well as celebrating the many joys. She has been there to be a sounding board when I need one. As a single mom it was such a gift to have someone to share all the thoughts, ideas, struggles that went though my mind raising my two kids. As much as I loved them they could push me to the edge making me question my own sanity. Lois and her husband Richard reached out to this single mom and walked along side me even when it wasn't easy or comfortable. They have been friends like I could never have imagined possible without them I wouldn't be here now. Thank you Lois. Edith was assigned to me as my mentor when I started the application process to join with Interlink Resources. What a gift she has been. We are about as opposite as two people can be in so many ways, yet that is exactly what I needed. Edith has so much knowledge and experience, has lived overseas, and has a heart as big as the sky. Over the last year and a half I have come to treasure her and am so thankful our paths cross bringing her into my life. Edith has made this whole process of preparing to move to Kazakhstan possible. She helps keep me straight in so many areas. Thank you Edith. Susan is a whiz with numbers. She has power of attorney over my finances and I'm thankful for her gift for figures. Susan and her husband Bill have also opened their lovely home and giving me a place to stay. It has been such a joy to be in their home and they have gone out of their way to make me feel at home and part of their family. Susan, Lois and I have known each other for a long time and have children similar ages. I am so thankful to have Susan as part of my team to help keep me straight. Susan has been a good friend over the years and for that I am thankful. Thank you Susan. I'm not sure if it says something good or not about me, but it takes these 4 women to keep me straight and moving in the right direction. I actually am very fortunate because I do have people who care for me and have walked with me through life. What a gift each friend is. I really do know is that I am blessed beyond measure to have these four women in my life that I know are there for me, will ask the hard questions, share in the heartache, and celebrate with me the many joys that come my way.
Thank you ladies for your friendships and a time to fellowship with much joy and laughter. You each are such a gift to me.






Since Chip was just traveling through Richmond I wanted to show her around some. I took her to Maymont Park and since it was the first warm day in the city everyone else had the same idea. The park was swarming with people, but we still had an enjoyable time walking and enjoying the warm weather. Signs of spring were everywhere. I love spring..









On Sunday Chip and I went to TIm and Lisa's home for lunch. I had such a good time I forgot to take pictures. I couldn't believe it. I did have my camera but didn't take one picture. Tim and Lisa had invited 3 other couples over and I got to share about my upcoming trip to Kazakhstan and my love for the Kazakh children. It was a great time of fellowship. Thank you Tim and Lisa.. lunch was fabulous, your children are a delight and the fellowship was sweet. One of the surprising gifts I've received along this part of my journey is the new friends I have made. I first meet Tim at the DeLille's house last June and it is fun to see how that has lead me in other directions I would have never imagined. Tim put together a beautiful video of pictures he pulled off my blog and put to music. My heart was so touched tears couldn't be contained as I watched it. Thank you Tim and Lisa for opening your hearts and home.

Chip left Monday morning for home and I am back into the routine of the week, but the sweet memories of this weekend remind me of how blessed I am even during this time of transition. I am figuring out exactly what I will take with me in May and getting my bags packed. I'm still working on talking to people and finding those who want to partner with me financially as I raise the last bit of monthly support I need. (about $500 more a month.. yeah getting close) and say my good-byes to family and friends. I'll be in PA for a couple weeks in April so I need to have everything wrapped up in March. I'm still working some jobs to pay my bills and will finish those up also in March. It looks like March is going to be a very busy month, but I will treasure each moment and count my blessings for I have much to be thankful for.

Thank you each for joining me along this journey. This chapter of my life is wrapping up and a new one will begin come May, but I want to enjoy each day left here for it isn't the destination but the journey that is important. To finish well I need to keep focused on today.

Love
Vicki