A Birthday Wish

Amanda was one of my first friend here. I'm embarrassed to admit how I met her, but here it goes.

Last August, it was the great day of class change for the kiddos at church. Amanda was in line waiting to find out which room her son was assigned. As I walked out, I saw her and recognized her from her blog. "It's a big church," I thought, "I should say something." I mustered all the courage I could muster. And said "I read your blog, just wanted to say hi."

I don't remember what she said. I'm sure it was kind and polite because, that's Amanda.

It turns out, church isn't that big. I kept seeing her. Except I didn't think she remembered me. So I never said anything again.

Fast forward to October. The Womens Retreat.

I didn't stay at the hotel because me, Levi (still baking) and someone I hadn't met, weren't about to sleep in a double bed together. It was a short drive home anyway.

The second day of the retreat I got there late. My friends from Sunday School were going to save me a spot but there was a mix up right as I walked in and there wasn't a seat for me. There was a seat at the next table. Amanda's table. I felt like such a dork.

But I mustered up all my courage and went to that table. All the girls were very kind and chatted with me even though I was the only one that didn't go to their Sunday Bible study.

After that, we chatted whenever we saw each other and became friends pretty quickly.

I think Amanda and Curtis were the first people to invite us to go out to eat after church. We couldn't say yes fast enough.

Over the last year or so, I've come to respect and love the grace, charm, wit and encouragement that she is to everyone that she meets. She's real and lives life fully to please God. I love living life with her around.

Happy Birthday Amanda!