An Unexpected Blessing | Anchors Aweigh

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An Unexpected Blessing

It's always a little nerve-racking moving to a new place. We probably move more than the average couple thanks to the military, but we still have the same thoughts/apprehensions each time we go. Will we find a church we like? Will we like our new house? Will we find good friends? That last one is usually the one I get the most wrapped up in. 
 
When we moved to Pensacola, we found the best friends we could have asked for. We really just hit the jackpot and got so, so spoiled. We loved that group and still remain close with all of them, but we are spread all across the country now. Leaving them was so hard, but I really hoped we would connect with people in Kingsville and be able to establish new friendships there as well.

We prayed for solid friendships, especially for me. We knew Parker would be part of a squadron and be close with those guys. They all fly planes, so there is never a lack of conversation or camaraderie between them. Sometimes, it's a little harder for the wives. I still had my best friends from Pensacola, now living on opposite ends of the country, but I prayed for friends locally as well. All I can say is God works in mysterious ways. The first day we moved here, I met Joni. 
 
Joni isn't a military wife and she is more than double my age, but she has by far become my favorite part of Kingsville. She is our neighbor across the street, but she became the person I went to for advice, to rant about this and that, and for prayer requests. She became the person that would watch Jenny in a heartbeat or bring over dinner when she knew Parker was away. She became the person that I looked forward to sitting on her swing together and just chatting about our lives in the evenings. She became my best friend here. 
 
It really is amazing when God blesses you in ways you wouldn't expect it. I know I will be friends with Joni for life, and I really wish I could take her with me and plant her next door everywhere we move. Goodbyes are always hard, but I am so thankful for the time we got to spend in Kingsville. I am so grateful for a friend who was more than I could have asked for. We love you, Joni!




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19 comments :

Brianna said...

Such a sweet tribute to your unexpected blessing! God truly works in amazing ways, and I'm so glad that you were able to find your 'person' in Kingsville. Praying for camaraderie for you at your next destination!

Janelle Cook said...

How wonderful! It's great that you made such a strong connection with her, and I have no doubt that you two will stay in contact after you move! Saying goodbye to a few people is what I'm dreading the most about moving. :(

Ashley - Married to the Game said...

You are so lucky that you found Joni! I know exactly what you mean about always moving around and worrying that you will be able to find new friends. My fiance and I are always hoping that wherever we move there will be other hockey girlfriends or wives living there so that I can have a support system, especially when he is gone. I have been super lucky. And you're right, it's always so hard saying bye to the people that you became so close with!

Kirst Semler said...

That's so sweet! In her photo she just radiates happiness!

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet! What a blessing you were able to form such a great friendship with your neighbor.

Aleshea said...

Glad everything is working out and you found someone to confide in.

Ashley @ A Cute Angle said...

What a special, special lady. You don't find many people like Joni anymore! Sending prayers that you find someone like her in VA!

~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

Jen said...

I love this!! :) It is amazing when you find someone you click with like that. :)

Kaysie said...

I felt all these things when we moved to Texas, especially knowing we'd only be here less than a year. It seems so much easier for them to make friends because they hang with their buddies every day. I got lucky this time - Nick made a friend with an AWESOME wife, and we get along so well. I've also found so much comfort in good neighbors. Andy, ours, is also more than double my age but he's been such a good resource and friend in a new place.

Kaysie said...

oh, AND, since we're bloggers, we may end up moving to places where we already "know" people! :)

Eights on the Move said...

So awesome for you! I'm sure she feels just as blessed to have you all in her life too :)

Rachel Lynn said...

The military life is definitely rough on friendships. I'm so glad you found someone where you are, and I'm sure you'll find friends where you're going. Good luck and prayers!

My Wholesome Home

Happily Ever Parker said...

Hoping you find Joni's at everyplace you go!

Jamie Hart said...

Awww.. it's almost like she's your Mom away from home, huh? Joni sounds like such a great person and I'm crossing my fingers that you meet a great group of truly awesome friends at your new destination because you deserve them. And if wishes meant anything, I'm wishing Parker would get stationed back in Pensacola-- Levi and Jenny would be like peas and carrots ;)

Melzie at Ribbons and Rotor Blades said...

That's so great that you had her while there!!! I'm sorry you have to say goodbye :( Thank goodness for technology, right??

The Girl who Loved to Write said...

So sweet!

Susannah said...

Wow, you really were blessed!

Stephanie said...

I may have teared up a bit! Such a lovely post for a sweet friend!

Tammy Jo said...

It is always such a blessing to find those kinds of friends :)

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