I've been too busy to write or reflect much these past two days because one of my favorite things in the world recently happened: our dear and seldom seen globe trotting Kara called from out of the blue to say she was flying into Chicago and could she come visit? Paige and I and the little girls drove our minivan into the city. We picked her up, brought her back to our hometown of Chesterton where we have been sitting on the porch, mostly talking and laughing. Did I tell ya'll about when I won that rodeo last summer? asked Kara during dinner this evening. I was pretty darn sure she hadn't, hadn't mentioned before in any detail the particulars of her three day long cattle driving excursion. Nor did I remember hearing about her midnight Gondola ride in Venice. I did recall the story about her impulsively purchasing a couple of rugs in Istanbul but made her tell it to us again anyway. Kara, before she became a nurse, had been a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. She is the sweetest thing - so kind and optimistic and adventurous. She has mesmerized my youngest daughter, Mary, who has been trailing her like a loyal puppy. I love, love, love friends - old ones, new ones. Have I mentioned that before? God is good to encourage and refresh us through these mutually supportive relationships. I feel thankful tonight, and exhausted. Sweet dreams to you
