I think there’s so much in this life we take for granted. We roll in and out of each day, distracted by each moment and often lost in our thoughts or situations. For so many years after Kyle and I got married, I found myself struggling to truly connect with other women. I had not grown up in California, was a college transfer student so no deep roots were created in college and, as a newly married, working woman, it was hard to build strong relationships.
Now I say this with the realization that this was, in part, my fault. It was during those years that I felt I needed to have a group of instant best friends, who all knew one another and that Kyle would meet their husbands and we would all be forever besties. Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing if you have friendships like this, my point is more that I was on the hunt for what I felt was the perfect friendship scenario, rather than being open to women that God wanted to bring into my life. It wasn’t until I stopped asking for what I wanted and began asking God to bring the right women into my life, that He did just that.
As the years went on, God has brought women into my life who have become some of the bestest friends I could ever ask for. Do they all know each other? They didn’t at first, but they do now. Do we all spend time together all the time? Not all together, all the time, but we do see one another often. But today, I have to share one of these special friendships with you. This is my friend Cristina. We met 2 years ago when her family moved into a home down the street from me. What was even more incredible was that we went to the same church (different services at the time)!! Little did I know when she popped by to introduce herself that her friendship would change my life in the best kinds of ways.
Cristina has taught me how to find joy in everything life throws at you, to love and pray for others always, to invest in people and relationships, not for what they can do for you, but what you can do for them and she has show me Jesus with skin on in more occasions that I could share in one post. Her family has become our family, her children my children. When our families come together, there is no shortage of stories, laughter and conversation. Cristina is even the reason I began my fitness journey last year and I owe my addiction to working out to her. She seriously drug my sore butt there for weeks until I final caved and went on my own free will.
Knowing her has made me a better person and for that I’m so grateful.
This morning we decided to get together for a swim and bbq for dinner and anticipating their arrival tonight was so bittersweet. See, John Mark, Cristina and their family have been called to the mission field and they are leaving on June 23rd to serve the people of El Salvador through an organization called Enlace. It seems like just yesterday that they said they were going and at that point June 2014 seemed so far away. Now it’s slapping me in the face and the mixed emotions of being excited for all God is going to do through them and the sadness that one of my best friends is moving away is hitting me all at once. It might be for only 2 years, but two years is a long time!
I cant even begin to describe the sadness that’s weighing on me. My friend and neighbor is going to be living millions of miles away for the next two years. I’m sad that I will have to hear her laughter through the phone instead of in my backyard, our homes or at workout. I’m sad that this month has snuck on me so quickly and suddenly and I feel so completely and utterly unprepared for her to go. I’m sad because I need more time, I need more coffee dates, bbq’s and conversations.
As they walked out the door tonight after we swam and chatted until long after our children’s bedtimes, I stood at the kitchen sink, tears streaming as I did the dishes. And through those tears, prayers for protection, for joy and for God to use them in great ways as they serve the people in the villages of El Salvador. As I tucked Katelyn into bed tonight, I wiped away her tears and prayed through her sadness. It’s breaking my heart that her heart has carried so much sorrow over the last several weeks. Through the loss of her Great Grandpa, the passing of Ryan, one of her best friends moving away and her TK teacher not returning to the school she goes to next year, she is truly learning to lean on Jesus, but at 6 there’s so much of this that is still so hard to understand.
I’m not sure where I’m going with all this. I think I just really needed to write. I’m hoping that through writing I can process some of the sadness I’m feeling. Please forgive me if much of this doesn’t make sense and I seem a little scattered as I write.
If you want to follow the Robeck’s journey in El Salvador, you can do so here. They are still in the process of raising the last of their support for their journey and if you want to give to them, you can do that here. I hope you will check out their story and read about all the wonderful things God is doing in their lives and if you feel led to support them through prayer or financial giving, I know that would bless them so much as well.
Cris, I love you like my sister. Your family is my family and I’m forever grateful for the two years God has given us together and the many we will have while you are in El Salvador and when you come home. And you better come home. That’s the deal, remember?! I love you and I’m praying for you every day. I know that God is going to to incredible things through your family to glorify His kingdom!
xo, Alissa
Barbara Vasquez says
This was perfect. Thank you for writing what you dont even know you just did. Ive battled with women friendships all my life as well. Through following you I assumed you had been one of the popular kids and everbody liked you. Well thank you for clearing that up. Trust in God and knowing that He knows the desires of our heart is what allows our wishes to come true. If we walk along the lines of His free will. Your journey with all this grief makes you real, and normal. Thank you for being just like me. God bless you and Cristina’s family. God is with you always.
Alissa Circle says
haha I wish I could say that I was one of the popular kids in school, but it’s not the case. While I was friends with most people in my grade, I found that having a few friends who made choices to stand on their faith rather than party with the “popular” kids helped me to make better choices when I was younger. Even now, looking back I wouldn’t change it. I’m still great friends with that group and we keep in touch even now, 20 years later. I am grateful for the friendships that God has brought into my life as an adult. I think so often we struggle with making other women friends because theres a sense of competition instead of being happy for one another. That’s one thing I’ve learned from Cristina, she truly sees all of her friends gifts as well as her own. It’s really beautiful! Blessings friend! xo
Allison says
My closest best friend is a hour away from me and works 6 days a week, I know what it’s like to want that women friendship. Church has come in handy, but I miss the close knit I had when I was in college. My brother and sister-in-law have just made a similar life decision and it’s been a little difficult for me and my husband. We are thrilled and excited for them, but wanted them closer. We know God has a plan, we are just staying hopeful and faithful. Best wishes to Cristina’s family.
xoxo
Allison over at Allison’s Eye
Alissa Circle says
praying for you friend. it’s so hard when you have to let go of close friendships, even when you know that God is using them in mighty ways. xo
Jen Marrs says
I have never met this cute girl..but dang it do I just LOVE HER! Her personality, energy and smile is so contagious! I am so sad for you and her and her family will be missed greatly! I am very excited to see their journey as I know it is going to just be amazing! What an opportunity! You have been blessed by knowing that her and she will be back…oh yes she will — and when she does… it’s going to be a huge welcome home with yummy doughnuts and BIG HUGS!! xoxo
Alissa Circle says
Girl you would love love love her! I think we’re going to have the biggest party when they return so that you both can finally meet! I know that God is going to do big things while they are there!
Michelle @ Eat and Sip in the City says
Awe what a strong bond you two had and still HAVE ! my best friend moved to new zealand and i am in boston and thanks to skype and the occasional snail mail care packages to each other i feel like i can always know what is going on with her ! Hang in there !
Alissa Circle says
yes i’m so thankful for Skype and also the creators of WhatsApp that will allow us to keep in touch. While I know it’s only for 2 years, the sadness of it sneaking up on me has been hard.