My Best Friend's Wedding

I've been told I have a lot of "best friends". The problem is, I have several friends that are near and dear to me, but to explain our relationship to you would take too long. So when talking about these sweet people in my life, "best friend" seems to be the best fit for the sake of time (we all know I'm a little long winded). However, there is one person that has always been deemed the title "best friend", and her name is Codi.

Codi and I met as freshmen at the University of Mobile and made a fast friendship during our second semester. However, we had to part ways in the middle of our sophomore year at UM when Codi transferred to University of Alabama (blah). It was the best change for doing what she wanted to do (social work), and would be cheaper (always a plus). I gave her my best, knowing that the Lord was calling my friend away, but sad to see her go. We had developed a friendship that went deep, based on how God had brought up through similar things in life. But when she moved, I'm not sure either one of us really expected to keep in touch as much as we did. Somehow though, we have always found time and made it a point to be there when it counts: graduations, hard break-ups, first dates, and birthdays. All the while throwing in a few "need to get away" weekends.

Codi's undergrad graduation! We both finished a semester early :)

I can vividly remember where I was and what I was doing when Codi called me a few years ago to tell me some news.  I had been out of the country for a month on a mission trip, and was checking my voicemail when I heard one from Codi:
"Hey, I can't remember what day you get back but CALL ME when you get in."
I called her back and after a little catching up about my trip, the conversation went a little like this:
Codi- "Sooo, I'm going on a date tonight."
Me-  "You ARE?" 
"You're not gonna believe who it is with"
"Can I guess?"
"Yea..."
"Collins?"
"How did you know that?!"

 Now, I can be a little naive at times (ok, maybe a lot of the time), but that one was not hard to figure out. I had met Collins probably a year earlier, and watched him become Codi's best friend. Codi had been seeing someone else for a while, but I knew that if he ever dropped out of the picture, that there was a good chance Collins might step up. He never overstepped the boundaries of friendship and was totally cool with the person Codi was and is. He encouraged her to be more of herself, and most importantly, Collins loved the Lord. What more could a girl ask for for her best friend?!

So this past weekend, I had the lovely honor of being in Codi and Collins' wedding. From the white daises to the bridal party walking down the aisle to "Lean on Me" to orange bridesmaid dresses, the wedding was  perfectly "Codi". (*Side note: I love going to a wedding and seeing the bride's personality all over the place.) Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

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Codi and I at the rehearsal dinner. Where I told my side of the "first date" story, and cried when she gave my gift and card.

Minutes before the ceremony! Wearin' her favorite color...

Shots of the happy couple. To the left, Codi Sprewell and Collins Espy. To the right, Mr. and Mrs. Collins Espy!

So there you have it. My best friend's wedding. Congratulations Codi and Collins! I couldn't be more happy for two people. I am so excited to see all the Lord is going to do in and through you as you begin your lives together. Know you always have a special place in my heart, and a place to visit in Georgia!

 

Goin' on a Bear Hunt with Josiah

Most of you know, but for those who don't, my baby brother Josiah has Down syndrome. The last three and a half years have changed my family, but all for the better, since his arrival. Every time I visit my family he seems to making strides in his development, in some way. In February, I went home for a quick visit and proceeded to read a book that has been read to him a million times. But to my complete joy and amazement, when I read it to him on this visit, he was WAY more into the story.
Watch and see...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9db-x1ih_4&feature=youtu.be

Since then I have seen Josiah again when my family visited Albany. On that visit, my sweet brother looked me in the eye, waved, and clearly said, "bye". I literally almost cried!

Josiah is a great reminder that our God is faithful, and He has a purpose for every life. I truly believe we will all stand in amazement as we watch the Lord use Josiah and his life. And, honestly, I look forward to it.

Last few weeks

Lots of different things have happened since I last wrote. So I'll hit the highlights and try not to be long winded....

-Easter was a busy, but had a wonderful day celebrating a risen Savior and reaching out to some visitors with a preschool Easter egg hunt during Sunday School. The rest of the day, I spent time with a couple of families from church.


-A couple of days later, I took a little trip down to Valdosta, Georgia. The church has a connection with college pastor there and I was able to give a plug to his college students about helping us with our VBS and camp this summer. I was also able to meet our girl intern for the summer, Becky. She moves to Albany next Saturday until the end of July, and I'm excited to have her around!


-The same night I went to Valdosta, tornados hit my hometown. I was in touch with my parents throughout the day, and my brother called right after he and my dad watched a LARGE tornado touch down. I've praised the Lord several times since, because my family is safe and their home untouched. It took almost a week, but they finally received power, and my siblings are headed back to school. From what I heard, and the few pictures I've seen, it will take some time before things are back to normal. Many have lost homes and are continuing to pick up the pieces.


- A guest house (owned by one of the pastors) opened up, and I was able to move this past week! There's a little bit more space and a kitchen :). I'm pumped to say the least, and so very grateful for the Aldermans' letting me stay with them as long as I did. Still getting settled, and trying to wrap my mind around making a grocery list for the first time in months. Let's hope I remember!


-Thursday, I took my first vacation day, and took off to Mobile for a few days. It was my first trip back, and it was so good to see so many people and let them know about my new life. I shopped, ate, hung out with people, and ate. O, and I ate. (I love Albany, but it is lacking in the restaurant choices). Got some good quality time in with some college friends, talking about jobs, families, school, and possible marriages/children (not for me, for them :) ). 

The rest of May is jam packed:

• Parent/Child dedication tomorrow, with PM service out at the sports park. 
• VBS meetings and prep.
• Interns move-in.
• Trip to Demopolis, AL to be in my dear friend, Codi's wedding.
• Trip home to see my brother, Samuel, graduate from high school.
• PM service at Sports Park, Kid's Rock style, May 29th. 

Whew...good thing I like being busy!