Wowzers

Written by a dear friend:

Sunday, April 09, 2006

My Ode to Ryan and Cari.

Dear Ryan & Cari,
I am so excited for you two!! Ryan, we first met almost three years ago. And I think we'd both agree that our friendship had been something of a roller coaster. In fact, if not for a family breakfast at Caris' just a year ago, we probably would have gone our seperate ways. Cari, you came into my life a few months later in 03' but your friendship has been invaluable. You have offered stability, love, hope, and a great freaking time :)

I am so thankful for who you both have been to me in our seperate friendships but also who you have been to me as a couple. Ryan, we laughed today about how I would tell you, once upon a time, how you would never have a chance with Cari. And I was saying that to the Ryan I had first met, the Ryan I didn't hold in too high of regards. But as we have lived life, you have grown so much. You truly are a "man after God's own heart" and I have nothing but respect for you.

Cari, even now I have hard time remembering that you are younger than me :) You hold so much wisdom within you. The number of times we have talked and I have grown, are countless! I will always treasure our dates in Heaven and in Africa ;) To me, you have always reflected hope. The hope that God is always present, always loving, and always your (our, my) strength.

As a couple I completely respect your relationship. I love that not only do you have your own relationships with God, but you come together as a couple and go before God. I love spending time with the two of you because of how you radiate love for God and for each other. People notice that there is something different in your relationship. I hold you two up as a model for what I want and hope for in my future! I know that I will continue to learn from you two.

You two have been such a support and encouragement to me. When I was walking down my own path and certain that I wanted nothing to do with God - you brought me to church. You asked questions. You were there. When I got sick you brought me soup and kept me company. In the little and large aspects of life you have been such a blessing to me.

I just wanted you to know this :) I want you both to know how much I love and respect you each and as a couple. I am so excited for your future and what God is doing in your lives! Ryan your fabulous new job. Cari you are graduating! Together you getting close to embarking on a big adventure together. I am thankful to be able to watch and to be apart of this journey!

Thank you for your friendship. Thank you God for putting these two in my life.

Amen!
With Love
Char