Value to Survival

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” – C.S. Lewis

From the moment I found out I was going to France I prayed for friendship. I prayed the Lord would provide me with people I could laugh with, cry with, explore with, and just sit with. I prayed that I would not experience loneliness, and that I would find a place where I belonged in a society and culture I knew nothing about.

The Lord provides.

I sit here typing this post as a changed woman because of the relationships I was fortunate enough to form this past year. The term bad ass doesn’t even begin to cover the amazing women that were brought into my life. Each one was different, yet each woman displayed great strength and love.

All of us where trying to survive and thrive in a new country. Not always an easy task, but together the task seemed much less daunting.

We didn’t all have the same beliefs, but I will always appreciate the open environment that was created. We shared our stories, listened intently, and asked questions. No question was too stupid, and all answers were heard.

I will be forever grateful for the community I was given. One day I woke up, and decided to attend an English-speaking event. I was scared. I was nervous. I walked in, and bumped into the only other person there that was my age. After that chance encounter an awesome friendship was put into place, and that friendship led to new friendships I will forever be grateful for.

Thank you God for listening, and providing. Thank you God for knowing what I need. Thank you God for the gift of Friendship. Thank you God for knowing that we can’t do this life alone.