I never have been one for having many people really close to me. Throughout school I have only had 1 or 2 close friends at a time. I am still friends with only 1 person from school, Laura. Other than Laura, the only other person I really have ever been close to is my sister-in-law Kari and lately my sister Ashley. Both are not only sisters to me but really are friends also.

I have always prided myself with being able to talk to people and be friendly, but really cultivating lasting relationships that are tight has always been hard for me. I have friends from church, many older women, who I am close too, but not really anyone my own age. I seem to only let people get so close to me, in fear of being hurt(fear from from my childhood) and I use sarcasim alot to hide that fear.

Anyway this family have been coming to church and I really like the wife. She is only 2 years older than me and we really have hit it off. Yesterday she came over and we talked for 5 hours until I had to get Alex. She is pretty easy to talk to and the best part is that she has a hunger for fellowship with fellow believers. I really think she could be an accountability-partner for me. That is really what I need. I need someone that can test my faith and I can do the same for them. Someone that I can talk to about problems and not feel judgement or condemnation. She has voiced a similar yearning for that in her life also, so I really feel that this is God's will.

I know that God wants me to grow in his word and to become more than I am. There have been other people that I have meet lately that I also feel will help John and I with the youth group coaching that we are desiring. I think this is a season for growth for my family!!!
Mandi