Une amie... (A friend...)

(Note to all: my lack of communication within the past week has KILLED me!  I can't even count how many times this week and weekend when I explicitly thought of an experience, or a person, or an insight that I desperately wanted to write down or share with you.  In reality, my week of "silence" is due to the fact that I was working diligently on two oral presentations that I gave to two different classes, back to back, yesterday afternoon.  Yes--it was just my luck that of all the days of the semester, the "exposées," as they're called in french, chose to become friends and be due the same day.  Thankfully, the Lord surrounded me with such peace and desire for diligence that I felt very prepared for both and I was received very well in both classes).

My recent thoughts, stories, and pictures will have to be postponed just a few more days until this week winds down.  However, I wanted to dedicate a brief post to someone whose birthday is in.... 2 minutes!

Elisabeth has been such an important addition to my transition here; she is truly the friend with whom I do "life" the most often.  I know I've mentioned her in earlier posts, but yet it's amazing how much our friendship has evolved and deepened in the month we've known each other.  I feel incredibly humbled to receive her as a friend for this brief semester-- for really, I do see her as a gift from our gracious Father.  The way our stories wove together is quite amazing, and the very fact that she is a believer is reason enough to believe that God gave me something very good when he put her in my life.

Elisabeth may come up to my shoulders in stature, but her enthusiasm for the little things in life far surpasses my own sometimes!  She is someone I feel "known" around, which is a very unique thing to find when you start completely over with friendships, like I did this semester.  She is very much a companion, a confidant, an encourager....and I'm finding myself more thankful for her every day!

Happy 21st Birthday Elisabeth Kress.... I thank the Lord for you every time I think of you!