5 Peas in a Pod.

I'll be there for you

When the rain starts to pour
I'll be there for you
Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you
'Cuz you're there for me too...

 

Wikipedia defines friendship as:

...a cooperative and supportive relationship between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each others company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as the exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. 

 

Basically, these girls put that definition into action and they ROCK at it! Mallory, Donna, Daniella, and Tara are like friendship superheros. These girls take me for what I am and who I will be and never let go. Across the country, across oceans, across everything, I know these girls will be in my life until I leave this place. 

In August, we gave Daniella a necklace of 5 peas in a pod; representing all of us. We each bought one ourselves and this simile, of course (peas in a pod), derives from the fact that peas from the same pod are virtually indistinguishable. When I wear the necklace, I am reminded of the blessings of all of you in my life!

 

"Well-behaved women rarely make history." Marilyn Monroe

 

That quote is right! We have really made it through anything. From people not talking for months, to fighting, crying, moving away, changing, confronting, bickering, boob hitting, yelling, wrestling, disagreeing, etc... you name it- we've been through it! Yet, I wouldnt trade any of it for the world! Us 5 have challenged each other and taught one another so many things- I would not be who I am without the 4 of you in my life. I am a better wife, daughter, friend, human, and follower of Christ because of you all!  

 

I cannot wait to reunite over Christmas and enjoy the

laughter, joy and new 2009 soundtracks of our lives!!!!

 I love you girls!!!!! xoxo Emms 

Home Made Survival Kit: Friends!

photo by Amanda Cannon. :)

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”
C.S. Lewis

     God gave Ross and I such wonderful friends when He knew we would need them. Through all the times here in Boston, we have truly mustered up some great experiences and memories with friends He has gifted us with!

     Our very first Halloween in Salem! Handing out candy, enjoying chili for dinner, being amazed at all the pumpkins, people, creative costumes, etc. It was truly a night to remember. Full of laughter and fun, we all had a blast "surviving" together where Halloween is the capital of the world! How would we tackle this city without friends who pray, who watch out for each other, who love one another through our Lord Jesus? It would almost be impossible! But with God, everything is possible! So, we all raised our glasses that night around the table to Friendship; knowing we were put in each others lives as our very own survival kits.

    Thanks to Megan for being the BEST host (quoting Jesse). Thanks to Amanda for taking the time to photograph the memories! Thanks to Ross for going along with my idea and dressing up as Elton John (He was such a hot Gay man!). Thanks to all of you for dressing up and making the night FANTASTIC!

      The definition of value is: relative worth, merit, or importance. Lewis was right when it comes to my friends that is for sure!!! I am so blessed to survive with all of you! You add so much value to my life!!! I love you all!!

 

Now you're in New York!!!

“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” -Mark Jenkins

 

My life changed in 2005. The Spring semester of my 3rd year in college I found myself venturing to a foreign country on a journey of a lifetime... Often we quoted this introduction as the theme of our life there... "This is the true story... of 10 strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World- South Africa." Yes, Observatory in Cape Town, South Africa to be exact.

Real adventure was second nature there and what I grappled with in Cape Town taught me that Grey is the color I see through my lenses of life. All of us have kept in touch and I found myself in Manhattan, NY this past weekend for a South African reunion. It was like drinking fine wine to meet up with everyone and reminisce about our lives together again.

What has make you in your life grapple with humankind?