We moved to Littleton after returning to the States from Korea, spending two months with my family in Virginia and two months with Jo's family in Texas. It was so nice to finally settle down. I changed my name officially to 'Been,' updated my license to an official Colorado one, got our plates registered. Every little piece made us feel more at home. Still, we knew no one. No church home. No connections other than my parents' friends from when they lived here back in the 70s and 80s.
After using the first few weeks of our time in Colorado to adjust, it was time for Jo to get everything prepared for his first semester of graduate school. He registered for classes and got his books. The next step to preparing for school was to attend the New Student Orientation.
The day of, we drove to the seminary, parked and walked into the building that houses the chapel. There were round tables throughout the room, and so we picked our seats off to the southern side and began to chat with those around us. Then we noticed a couple walk in, and there wasn't a place for them to sit at any of the tables.
I remember it - as clear as day. "Hey, come join us!" Jody and I urged them.
We pulled up a few chairs next to us, and they sat down.
Three and a half years later, I miss them like crazy.
Sam and Britt became our buds all through seminary. California natives, from Day #1 I knew they would be returning to their beloved state. I just knew it was inevitable. But I still am so thankful for the time that we had together!
Their wiener dog Rustie convinced me that I wanted a miniature dachshund for myself. They went with us out to the home in Elizabeth where we picked up Eu-mi as an 8 week old pup from a litter of eight.
We had doggie play dates.
Worked out together.
Ate meals together composed of whatever was in our refrigerators at the time.
"You have carrots? Oh, great! I'll bring the lettuce and tomatoes."
"Game night? Sweet! I'll bring Settlers. Wanna bake some of your amazing cookies?"
We discussed the stresses of seminary together. Its' effect on our health, our marriages, our finances. Oh, what a blessing to have someone who could relate!
We played outside together... had snowball fights. Went biking in the mountains.
When they got another pup, Roxy, Jo and I decided that we'd need to get another wiener dog, too! I mean, imagine the play dates with not two - BUT FOUR - wiener dogs!
Even when Britt and I were working, Sam and Jo were always up to some mischief. Brewing beer. Debating Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Talking about life in ministry.
When Jo graduated in December, Sam and Britt were there to celebrate with us.
It just wouldn't have been the same without them.
I used to think that 'bosom friends' (as Anne Shirley puts it) were impossible to find. Now I know that they're not impossible to find... but they are rare and to be treasured.
Sam got a job at a church in northern California, and they moved last month. Before they left, they came over and dropped off all the food in their pantry.
Because that's what friends do.
We got take-out Panda Express, sat in the living room and talked about the future. And how they need to find us a job in California, so we can keep hanging out.
The day of, we drove to the seminary, parked and walked into the building that houses the chapel. There were round tables throughout the room, and so we picked our seats off to the southern side and began to chat with those around us. Then we noticed a couple walk in, and there wasn't a place for them to sit at any of the tables.
I remember it - as clear as day. "Hey, come join us!" Jody and I urged them.
We pulled up a few chairs next to us, and they sat down.
Three and a half years later, I miss them like crazy.
Sam and Britt became our buds all through seminary. California natives, from Day #1 I knew they would be returning to their beloved state. I just knew it was inevitable. But I still am so thankful for the time that we had together!
Their wiener dog Rustie convinced me that I wanted a miniature dachshund for myself. They went with us out to the home in Elizabeth where we picked up Eu-mi as an 8 week old pup from a litter of eight.
We had doggie play dates.
Worked out together.
Ate meals together composed of whatever was in our refrigerators at the time.
"You have carrots? Oh, great! I'll bring the lettuce and tomatoes."
"Game night? Sweet! I'll bring Settlers. Wanna bake some of your amazing cookies?"
We discussed the stresses of seminary together. Its' effect on our health, our marriages, our finances. Oh, what a blessing to have someone who could relate!
We played outside together... had snowball fights. Went biking in the mountains.
When they got another pup, Roxy, Jo and I decided that we'd need to get another wiener dog, too! I mean, imagine the play dates with not two - BUT FOUR - wiener dogs!
 |
| Yup! All 4 of them! |
When Jo graduated in December, Sam and Britt were there to celebrate with us.
It just wouldn't have been the same without them.
I used to think that 'bosom friends' (as Anne Shirley puts it) were impossible to find. Now I know that they're not impossible to find... but they are rare and to be treasured.
Sam got a job at a church in northern California, and they moved last month. Before they left, they came over and dropped off all the food in their pantry.
Because that's what friends do.
We got take-out Panda Express, sat in the living room and talked about the future. And how they need to find us a job in California, so we can keep hanging out.
Dear Parsons,
We are so grateful for you guys.
We miss and love you so much, and we pray God's blessings on your lives.
Keep a room open for us in Cali! We just might have to come visit!!
Love,
The Beens
We are so grateful for you guys.
We miss and love you so much, and we pray God's blessings on your lives.
Keep a room open for us in Cali! We just might have to come visit!!
Love,
The Beens
