At work today, I get a text from my friends Kristin and MJ. They wanted me to meet them in the parking lot so they could give me a "going away" gift. So thoughtful! At 5:45pm sharp, I met them at their car. MJ was holding a bag and in it was a beautiful green scarf. I loved it! As I pulled it out of the bag, Kristin guided it to my head and directed me to use it as a blindfold. They had an even bigger surprise in mind. Blindfolded, I sat in the front seat as they giggled and drove down the hill into what I now know to be downtown Santa Cruz. They had arranged in advance with my boss and co-workers to steal me away. Amazing! The walk from the car was both awkward and humiliating. I had no idea who was watching, or if the object I had just run into was a human or a bike (MJ swears it was a bike). But it was fun too. As we arrived at our destination, I knew exactly where we were by the smell alone. Nothing can be mistaken for those sweet Hula's sweet potato fries! Hula's is my favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz and as I lifted the blindfold, a table full of my favorite Santa Cruz friends cheered and welcomed me to a dinner in my honor. Crazy! Amazing! Kristin, MJ, Sarah, Emily, Carissa, Kelly, Casey, Molli and Andrea! A full house. We laughed and ate amazing food. I love these people. They left me with some sweet notes of encouragement and we hugged it out. I am so blessed. I do not deserve these people. But the Lord knew what I needed. Knew even the things I couldn't ask for and provided through these amazing, beautiful friends. So now as I pack and prepare I am so encouraged to know the love of God can be peace, can be laughter and can be friends waiting for my return!
At work today, I get a text from my friends Kristin and MJ. They wanted me to meet them in the parking lot so they could give me a "going away" gift. So thoughtful! At 5:45pm sharp, I met them at their car. MJ was holding a bag and in it was a beautiful green scarf. I loved it! As I pulled it out of the bag, Kristin guided it to my head and directed me to use it as a blindfold. They had an even bigger surprise in mind. Blindfolded, I sat in the front seat as they giggled and drove down the hill into what I now know to be downtown Santa Cruz. They had arranged in advance with my boss and co-workers to steal me away. Amazing! The walk from the car was both awkward and humiliating. I had no idea who was watching, or if the object I had just run into was a human or a bike (MJ swears it was a bike). But it was fun too. As we arrived at our destination, I knew exactly where we were by the smell alone. Nothing can be mistaken for those sweet Hula's sweet potato fries! Hula's is my favorite restaurant in Santa Cruz and as I lifted the blindfold, a table full of my favorite Santa Cruz friends cheered and welcomed me to a dinner in my honor. Crazy! Amazing! Kristin, MJ, Sarah, Emily, Carissa, Kelly, Casey, Molli and Andrea! A full house. We laughed and ate amazing food. I love these people. They left me with some sweet notes of encouragement and we hugged it out. I am so blessed. I do not deserve these people. But the Lord knew what I needed. Knew even the things I couldn't ask for and provided through these amazing, beautiful friends. So now as I pack and prepare I am so encouraged to know the love of God can be peace, can be laughter and can be friends waiting for my return!
you are so loved my sweet friend. SO blessed to get to be a part of of your life.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant stuff! You better give us up to the minute updates of your time in Bethlehem...lot's of interested eyes over here!
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