I've known the Pennel family my entire life. My parents met them in the young married class at our church when they played volleyball together. They've been friends and consequently my friends ever since. Kathy is like a second mother to me. She went shopping with us all the time and would always bring us gifts. We were always at her house and she at ours. She's always ready with a hug and a 'bless your heart'.
Matthew is like a brother to me. There are sooo many funny stories... Like the time I apparently pulled Matthew's crib on top of myself because I wanted to see him. He tumbled out and we were both fine. Matthew's got a crazy sense of humor, so for his birthday one year we 'kidnapped' him after midnight and took him to Walmart and cruised him around in a shopping cart in the parking lot. Then we took him to the sand volleyball pits on campus and sprayed him with silly string.
This photo pretty much sums up our relationship ;) :
Harrison's hilarious and can do an epic imitation of Ernest P. Worrell. He's the greatest handyman in the world and thrives on anything that's broken and fixable.
Jessica and Marvin are the newest additions to the family. They were adopted from Guatemala years ago. They instantly became like younger siblings to me.
This week they came in town for a visit. It reminded me how much I love and miss them. It's such a blessing to have friends who know you; I mean really know you, your whole history, your mistakes, weaknesses, joys, triumphs, and love you...all of you. It was so nice to have that feeling of comfort around for a while. I definitely believe that God has friends in your life for seasons, and I have made many precious, dear friends here during this season whom I am immensely blessed by, but I also cherish those unique friendships that last a lifetime. I'm so thankful to have the Pennels as friends and family for a lifetime.
