For as outgoing and energetic as I am at 27, I was obnoxiously loud and outgoing in my early college years. For whatever reason, Gina, in all of her quiet and somewhat introverted ways, took me in as a friend. I can't help but smile and giggle a little thinking about it. Our friendship just works.
At the end of my freshman year, I was leaving SPU, not to return, so Gina and I loaded up her SUV and headed toward Southern California. Gina is the perfect road warrior... no stopping to pee - you can pee when we get gas. Though I didn't return to SPU, our friendship has remained the same. She has been, and always will be, someone that I count as one of my closest friends.
This weekend, I headed up to Irvine for another round of the Country Megaticket Parties at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. The only positive to a REALLY early load-in is the excuse to head up the night before. Along with the ridiculously comfortable bed and warm cookie at the Doubletree, time with Gina and her family is something that I always look forward to.
Thursday night was one of those nights that will make my heart feel full for a very long time. Gina made a yummy dinner full of goodies from her amazing garden that we enjoyed under the dim glow of string lights in the backyard.
We broke bread and shared life. I experienced more Church in that backyard than I have in years.
We talked about love, life, hopes, dreams, fears, how it should be, how we can be active in changing the world, and who God is in our lives. Hours went by and we could have stayed the whole night.
I am wiping tears from my face as I compose this post. I am so thankful to know these people and to call them friends. The lessons that I have learned from them about Commitment to love, about serving others, and about hard work have forever changed me.
BarToole's: I love you and am so thankful for you all. Thank-you for coming to the show and supporting me in my dreams. You all are gifts.
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