Dear Friends

Tonight I was reminded of how much I require fellowship, and how simplicity is always best.

My good friends Chris and Christine (who also happen to be our next door neighbors) invited us over for dinner.  While we live steps away, it's been weeks since we've actually spent time with them.  Between four busy work schedules on top of school, it's difficult to find a spare hour or two.  Finally it was decided upon a Sunday evening, and I'm definitely glad I could carve out five hours to relax and enjoy the company of dear people.  All we did was eat a delicious meal of rice and lentils and sofrito on corn tortillas.  I love simple meals that are incredibly flavorful, and this was a great take on the usual rice and beans I make several times a month.  We shared great conversation over a few drinks and even brought out the hookah.  It was an excellent evening.

I think it's incredibly important for everyone to have some time to spend with friends, and to choose those friends wisely.  As I've gotten older I've realized that one cannot find good friends easily.  Many have backstabbing behavior that is terribly damaging.  Others are flaky.  And still more move away and no longer keep in contact.  It can be frustrating and is definitely more difficult than the childhood meeting on the playground.  Loneliness is a common occurrence for me.  But through all these problems I realize how blessed I am to actually find a few good friends out in the sea of damaging people.

To those of you who are my near and dear friends, I appreciate you more than words can express.  Thank you for being there.