Friends Make the Stay

There have been many months of darkness and cold. The trips and weekends away have been few. This has not been easy for me...since this house is small and the neighbors cannot breathe without my knowing of it. Winter is never a great time for me.

One aspect of the time here in the last year gone that has kept my sanity in place many times over, is the friendships that I have made along my way. There are some that know exactly what I am going through, for they experience it themselves everyday. That would be my 3 dear friends, Maria, Tracy and Julie....( all of whom I feel I've known for years and have only known about a year and 1/2). I am blessed to have the support and encouragement of these ladies that are American Expats as I am. Our get-togethers can be a bit infrequent at times, but when we do meet up (which was twice this month...I am happy to say!), we just pick up where we left off...(yet, we do keep in touch by email normally..modern technology!) Plus, they like the coffee places as much as I do...:))! Starbucks is usually our place of choice...the familarity and all...(yes...they are taking over England too....) I don't care what anyone says...Starbucks is like a slice of home...(even if they won't take our group picture for us...right ladies..? Well...whatever! We make do....:) These girls have helped me through many a rough time....and I am grateful

I also have friends that I work with that are from many places.... Nigeria, India, Jamaica, Pakistan, Malaysia, Phillipines, China, and here in the Black country. Some here to stay...some passing through as I am and also trying to find their place far from home. I have been so fortunate to find such kind people that offer support and understanding daily.

My first job in England (thanks to my brother-in-law Nick :), also was marked by working with kind and special people that I still remain in contact with. We recently had a bowling day out on a Sunday that we hope to repeat again very soon. Along with the occasional night out for dancing and a few pints, they are the sort that are thought of with good memories and the hope to catch up with them soon...good Black Country folks. Down-to-Earth, caring and sincere. The English yooper, if you will. :)

Matt also has some really great friends that we spend time with as well...although not as often as we would like to. One couple in particular, we frequent what is now our favorite Balti house near home with them. They are fun and caring people, dedicated to their children and each other. The sort of people you feel better just being in their company. That means a lot. When one is far from what they know, they come to realize that it isn't where you are, but who your surround yourself with. Even though I am far from home, because of the friendships I have made, I feel closer to home in a way. As I always say....I really am blessed.