Friendship That Crosses Borders

Just a quick post today to share this special photo and a couple of thoughts. Sorry I’m pressed for time. My mother-in-law is in the hospital, my hubby has been sick the past couple of days, and I’ve been trying to get some Christmasy stuff done to boot. Need I say more about lack of time? :)

We were incredibly blessed this past Saturday to get to attend the college graduation of a very special young woman. I wrote about my friendship with Kayoko in my Nov. 11, 2007 post so just use the link to refresh your memory or read about it for the first time.

Not only were we blessed, but Kayoko was thrilled that we traveled to her university to be with her on her special day — especially since her family, who live in Japan, could not attend. It also meant the world to her parents to know that we were helping their daughter celebrate her graduation.

After the graduation, we went to lunch with Kayoko and a large group of her friends — other international students. I was a little nervous about going because communication with internationals can be challenging, and the Thai restaurant was also new to us. I’m so glad we pushed past our comfort level, though, and joined them. North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa (I think) were all represented at our table. What an amazing experience to hear different languages being spoken all around us. Thankfully, they spoke English to us! :)

A couple of things: 1) Let me just encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to develop friendships with internationals. Friendships that cross borders bring rich blessings to all involved (the post from Nov. 07 elaborates). 2) Our God loves all people, knows every language and never has trouble understanding us, has crossed every border to be our Friend, and longs for us to love one another, regardless of any kinds of differences or “borders” we may have.

I’m so glad we crossed the border to enjoy friendship with Kayoko. What border is God calling you to cross?

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11

Comments

  1. I hope your mother-in-law and husband are better.

    The pic you posted is great.

    I’ll have to pray about what border God is calling me to cross…it may be returning to my former church, which I would only do w/ confirmation it is His will.

  2. God’s love speaks in any and every language. Obviously, spoken here and in the life shared between two friends. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season! Hope all will soon be on the “mend” at your house, especially as we approach the big day!

    peace~elaine

  3. Oh, Cheryl! Bless you for standing in the gap for this woman’s parent’s, who live so far away! I can only imagine what it would feel like to not be able to attend my child’s graduation. Bless you!

    Praying that everyone is feeling/doing better around your house.

  4. Cheryl,

    I pray for healing for both your mother in law and husband and strength and peace for you. Congratulations to your dear friend and your message is dead on to get out of ones comfort zone, reach acros borders to embrace people who are different from us and do what God leads us to do.

    Amen!

    Merry Christmas!

  5. Hey all, thanks for the prayers for our family. My mom-in-law is doing better but still in the hospital, Don is okay now, but I managed to get a touch of what he had and still am not 100%. Thanks again for the prayers — they have been needed!

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