Symanzik Family Update

A friend who I met around the first day we moved to the Philippines was recently in Davao and we had lunch and wonderful conversation together. After we parted, this poem of sorts started going through my head.... Old friendship, like favourite old jeans slip on sweetly comfortable Conversation up and running as if years and distance non-existent. Thankful. My friend was such a blessing to me as a new missionary, transitioning to a new culture, learning to navigate the practicalities of life overseas as a mom...she has gone to other mission fields but over the years and distance we've maintained a bond of friendship, trust, sharing of good and hard......I am thankful for her.

This friend and I have been friends since 1983, before either of us married........35 years....and though our paths have gone in various directions, when we do get together, it's like we were never apart. She and her husband inspired us to look into becoming missionaries. Conversation picks up easily and deeply with her and I thank God for her.

This friend and I have shared many meal-making times at church, coffees, fun, deep conversations. And even though I've been half a world away for much of our friendship, when we get together....like with the other two....conversation picks up easily and deeply. I am thankful.

Proverbs 27:9...Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and so does the sweetness of a friend....