Friends around the Globe

I have several friends around the globe and I just wanted to take a few moments to plug them for you. This way you can remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

Inge - Netherlands - Inge has been friends with my mom for almost 2-3 years. They actually have never met in person, but talk almost daily via the internet! Inge and her mom mailed me a wonderful gift! And a handwritten note, too! She was nervous her English wasn't good, but she had no mistakes!! She is still a student in the Netherlands and hopes to study English in the States one day! Maybe if she does, Mom and I can road trip to see her!!

Katie - Tanzania, Africa - She just happened to be home on furlow while I was born, so she got to see me in the hospital!! Katie went to college with my mom and dad, but they just barely knew each other then. After college, they reconnected at Jacob's Well Church and started attending the same bible study! Mom and Katie became really close friends, and Mom was sad when Katie was finally able to move to Africa, where her heart was calling her. Katie joined African Inland Mission and works with the Digo tribe. She's been over there for almost three years now, but she gets to come home occassionally.

Shawn and Misty - India - My mom grew up with Misty in church and school ever since they were in diapers! Shawn was the grade above them in school and since he just lived down the street from Mom, they even rode the school bus together. After college when Dad moved down to KC, he became friends with them too! Since then, Shawn and Misty have had two wonderful children, Elijah and Eden - who both have red hair and Shawn jokes they are my half-siblings! Several years ago, their family felt called to missionary work and they moved to India. They have come home for the birth of their two children, and the birth of Eden just happened several weeks ago, so I have gotten to know them all as well! Elijah gets very concerned when I cry. You can check out their website at http://www.freewebs.com/shawnbenson/index.htm

Justin - Mozambique, Africa - Justin has known both my parents for almost ten years now from college. He lived across the hall from my dad in the dorms, even! Mom hung out with these boys a lot, so she became good friends with Justin, too! He is a teacher here in Kansas City, but this summer felt the calling to go to Mozambique to help in an orphanage! He has a fun blog he writes in freqently, so check it out at http://quest4ahippo.blogspot.com/