Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Sweet Peas and Greens

Last night Josh and I got our first visitors from "home". The Green family stopped by to see us on their way to Florida for vacation. It was the most children this apartment has ever seen, I'm quite sure! It was so wonderful to see people with whom we have a history, and chat freely without the necessity of background information. As much as I have enjoyed getting to know new people, there is a comfort that follows familiarity. Damon and Nicole are so hilarious, too, and feel quite free to pontificate on whatever their minds desire. :)

We went to eat at "Sweet Peas" restaurant, which is a funky independent place that serves "Southern Comfort Food." Pret
ty much everyone (grown-ups and kids alike) got their fantastic macaroni and cheese. WHOA! The tables have paper on them, and there are crayons on the tables so Josh and the kids could feel free to design their own works of art. Here is the eldest Green child (and only girl) showing where I have hung her artwork for me on the fridge. It's of me with them at the beach (maybe they thought we were coming too?). What's funny is that in the background, you can see the picture hanging on the fridge of the same girl modeling her Jasmine outfit a couple years ago.

One thing I have mainly mi
ssed in my new very social life is hugging kids! I used to pretty much get hugs like crazy (Johanna, can I get a witness?) and a child sitting in my lap every time I turned around! I guess "physical touch" is one of my love languages (if you believe in all that). I'm a huggy girl, especially with the darling kiddos. So the Green tribe filled our cups with that!

What a blessing! Thank you, Jesus, for friends, old and new!

6 comments:

GloryandGrace said...

It is so true what you said about seeing friends with whom you have history; there is a comfort level there, and one that's unique from person to person. I'm glad you guys had such a great time with them, and I LOVE the picture by (and on) the fridge!

P.S. No idea why one of my comments on your last entry showed up as anonymous.

periwinkita said...

I'll be your witness, you always have a crowd of kids to hug. :) You're very loved. I'm glad you got some hugs to fill you up a little bit. The kids prayed for you and Mr. Josh tonight.
I'd certainly say that "physical touch" is one of your love languages. I'd guess it's my language to since I can't seem to talk to a kid without touching the top of their head. :P

Mandy said...

Ok Gret, we started the GNC yesterday at Northeast, and there was like, 22 kids there. So adorable and enthusiastic! Almost none of them go to church.

At the 'invitation' time, the only kids left in the room, for the Wallace boys, and Maddie. No joke!

After hugging some of them, and many pats on the back, I found out we actually weren't suppose to touch them...at all! How sad!

I knew you would be able relate, especially in light of your latest post.

Gretchen said...

Grace -- I don't know, a lot of my comments have been doing it.

Johanny -- thanks for the prayers! I was praying for you guys last night, too, during our prayer time at church. So strange to pray with grown-ups where you aren't NEEDED to pray or speak at all. I certainly miss everybody!

Mandy -- WOW! That's AWESOME! When Josh and I plant our church, you and Greg need to come help us and that's one of the things we want to do in the local school. And you already have experience! Is it every Wednesday? I'll be praying for you! Sounds like you have a full Wednesday of ministry.

The Tiffinian said...

It really was great to see some friends from D-ville. The Greens are great to spend time with. They love the Lord, and just seemed to pick up the conversation right where it left off last time we saw them! Also, I'd like to get Damon down here to take some classes (he started working on an MDiv at Trinity - he's actually much further along than I am).

mitchells2000 said...

Glad you got to see some familiar faces, and get some kiddie hugs. I can totally relate in both areas!