Most of my life, I've lived with long distance relationships by regular mail, e-mail or phone. Some people think it odd to consider a close friend someone 1,000 miles away and whom you've only met a handful of times -- or none! But those friendships have been the greatest blessings from my Lord, each holding a distinct place in my heart as we relate on various levels. Here is a small sample of those friends....far from complete, as you never know who God will bring next into my life for encouragement or growth. :-)





Amanda Davis, Texas
This is my dearest friend in the whole world! Amanda saw my address in HopeChest in late spring 1994, and sent a birthday card/offer of friendship that summer. What can I say about the past 11 years? We grew up together, laughed and cried together, and now face the challenges of adulthood together. Our first face-to-face meeting was August 1998, when she came to Wisconsin for a week; the Lord's blessed us with fifteen visits since then! Amanda has a servant's heart, is ever available, and simply beautiful. :-) She is my faithful companion. Love you, dear! (and your family...and Jonathan :-) )




Natalie Nyquist, Missouri
Natalie is everything I aspire to be in this life, but holds an honesty that makes her down-to-earth and ever so precious. I'm not sure when we began writing, but it was through HopeChest, and we were able to first meet in December 2000, when our family was traveling back from Oklahoma City. Weddings of mutual friends about once a year is how the Lord allows us to rekindle the friendship face to face. I love how her every effort is an encouragement for me to give my all for a greater purpose. Check out the website on her writing adventures: Maiden's Quest.




Jaime Rowland, Washington
Jaime is...Jaime. :-) We call ourselves twins because it's often shocking how similar we are -- and that similarity can be our downfall or greatest strength, as we've found firsthand. We became acquainted in 1999, but it wasn't for a couple years later that we really "clicked." Our visits have only totaled four but we have grand dreams for more! In sharing our struggles to put off self and seek Christ in "singleness of heart," Jaime has become a great blessing to me.






Jessica Boling, Tennessee
Jess is my "other half" in writing; we both share the joys and trials of putting the thoughts of our heart into words, how to express a familiar Truth in a new way. HopeChest was again our avenue of acquaintance in 1997 and through writing clubs, online groups and personal letters, we became kindred spirits. I was able to meet her in 2000, before the annual ATI conference in Knoxville and nearly eight other visits have strengthened our friendship.

Abigail Paul, Iowa
Met: Spring 1997 via my dad at a local organic grower'ss convention; first face-to-face meeting March 1999

Psalm145 e-mail group
I can't say enough for these friends that rally to cry, laugh or encourage me at just the right moments. Hugs to Julie, Laura, Samantha, Skye, Natalie, Lizzy, Erin, Amanda D., Melody, Esther, Jess, Kelly, Maggie, Amie, Kelly Amanda M. and Krista! (and the next generation: Nathan Jr., Sam, Leah, Lucas, Emma & Fletcher baby #3) Whose wedding will it take to get us all together? :-)

Jessica Stano (MN), Leah Reichardt (MI), Sharon Stillwell (GA), Stacey, Emily, and Hannah Smith (TX)
Met: September 2003, being fellow staff girls at ALERT :-)

Sandra DuMont (WA)
Met: April 2005, fellow staff girl at ALERT

Lauren Stinton, New Hampshire
Met: Spring 1993, when we moved from Illinois to Wisconsin

Amber and Ashley Stockdale, Wisconsin
Met: Summer 1997, through mutual friends

Laura Bogner, Texas
Met: September 2004, at the String Workshop in Indianapolis

Joy Crow, Florida
Met: not sure :-); it seems like we've been writing since 1997/1998 -- and always by good ol' regular mail

Shylie Carrick, North Carolina
Met: Summer 2003, through our mutual love for Romania

Sarah Pratt, Indiana
Met: January 2003, at Crystal P.'s wedding

Helen Chulpsa, Illinois
When I was 9, I started walking every morning with my Grandma at the mall nearby. Helen joined our group and was a second grandma. :-) She's now in a nursing home in southern Illinois, but we keep in touch by letters once a week.

Rachel Jodrey (NC), Hannah Spillman (TX), Anna Berry (KS), Katie Barlow (WI), Katie Farr (TX),
Emily Rebhan (WI), Shaina Stearn (WI), Alex Garcia (WI), Sara Vasquez (WI), Laura Boggs (NC)
Over the years, I've gathered a sweet bunch of "little sisters" that continually brighten my days with letters, phone calls, or e-mails! Our friendships have begun in numerous ways and I am so blessed to have been able to meet all but one in person.