Cathy and Craig Came to Visit!!!!

This was definitely a highlight of our year. Our dear friends, Cathy and Craig Horlacher, came all the way from PA to visit us for a long weekend. It was such a joy to host them in our home! Cathy and Craig are so special to us for a number of reasons. Let me give you a little background...

Cathy and I met nearly five years ago at Living Hope Church in Harrisburg, PA (formerly my hometown). Although we had heard a lot about each other (Living Hope is a small church and there weren't very many single adults at that time), we were introduced at a rehearsal for a drama that we were both participating in at church. We chatted for a bit afterward and decided to go to Panera Bread for a cup of coffee. Four hours later, we felt as though we had known each other for years! Have you ever had a kindred spirit? Cathy is definitely among God's sweetest gifts to me and we have shared a rich friendship over the years.

When God called me to North Carolina 4 years ago, we wept many tears, but prayed that the Lord would safeguard our friendship for years to come, despite the miles between us. He did just that! In fact, we have watched him weave a common thread of grace in our lives over the past few years.

In September of 2005, I returned home for a quick visit and Cathy (along with our friend Ann) met for lunch again at our favorite spot, Panera Bread. Of course, the topic of marriage came up and we shared our thoughts with each other. Now, these ladies were among the most content ladies I have ever met. While they both had a deep desire for marriage, they understood God's great gift of singleness as well, and excelled at cherishing their single years.

At that lunch, we agreed to pray and fast one day each month for each other... that God would bless us with husbands. Well.... God in His faithfulness answered our plea and we were all married within the next three years. Now, Ann is expecting her first baby in May, I am due in June, and Cathy is due in August. Praise God for His unmerited kindness to us! We marvel at God's work of grace in our lives and, also by His grace, enjoy sweet fellowship despite the miles.

So, here are a few snapshots of our wonderful weekend with Cathy and Craig. We couldn't possibly be more grateful for their friendship!!!

Cathy and I made a quick stop at the maternity store in the mall. Cathy is only 13 weeks pregnant, but we enjoyed trying on the fake bellies under our maternity clothing. This one's a little lumpy. :)

Now, that's more realistic!!! I can hardly wait for baby Horlacher to arrive in August. Cathy has been a nanny for more than ten years and she is going to make a wonderful Mommy!!!

Of course the pregnant ladies needed a snack mid-afternoon, so we made a quick stop to Cook Out. It was a chilly day, but we really enjoyed our burgers!

We made a quick visit to see David's parents, whom Cathy affectionately calls her "Friends-in-Law." John wasn't home, but we enjoyed our visit with Jane!

We marvel at the Lord's kindness to us!