This past week two of our dear friends came to visit us! They live in Alaska but are taking time off to travel around the country. I have known Steve and Kathy Dean for 15 years, and I can't tell you how thrilling it was to have them visit us. Kathy taught first grade when I taught kindergarten at Westgate Christian School in Oregon, and that is how we really got to know each other. It was the Deans who let Tim stay with them every time he visited me up in Oregon.
Mrs. Dean and I chuckle at a fun memory of when I first flew to Oregon to interview for a teaching job my senior year of college: The Deans, always hospitable, had me stay in their home for a few days. While there, Mr. Dean and I would cut up with each other. A few days later, to my horror, I found out he was on the school board! In shock, I said to her, "Do you think I'll still get the job?" I did get the job, but I was kind of sweating that one out!
On Wednesday morning, the Deans invited us to their "little home" for hot chocolate during the kids mid-morning school break. That hot chocolate was all the bonding experience my kids needed with them!
We took school off on Thursday so we could take Mrs. Dean sightseeing in Sedona. (Mr. Dean stayed behind and helped Tim do some trim work on a new rental.) It was chilly, but the sun was out and the red rocks looked beautiful!
While in Sedona, we went to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a beautiful cross structure that is built into the red rocks. We all had a good time--this picture was taken inside the building. I know it doesn't show the inside of the chapel, but I just thought it was too cute to not post. :)
I told the kids the visit to the chapel was a "field trip," and Mrs. Dean got a kick out of that! Seriously, though, when you have such dear friends and have no idea when you'll get to see them again, it's good to enjoy a day together. I'm so thankful for all the dear friends the Lord has blessed me with.
