One of the difficult aspects of being an expat is that, in being part of a transient community, people are often moving. This spring/summer we had four families that we were close to move. My heart feels weary of goodbyes!
We met the Gamba family (from Colorado) because our families kept running into each other. We first met on a hike in Chipinque, then at a museum in Saltillo, then even ran into each other in a grocery store. At that point in time, we knew it was fate to be friends! (We even saw them once at the airport as both Jenny's and my parents were on the same flight into Monterrey; how crazy is that!?) They lived on the other side of town from us and we ran in very different circles, so we didn't get to see each other as much as we would have liked to. But the times we had together were always fun and we hope that someday we can visit them in Denver (or that they'll come to Oregon!).
Final dinner together at PF Changs
Kyle, Dempsey, Cadence, Jenny, Thatcher, Josh, Seth, Jamie, Sam and Ben
Our last hang out together we watched the NBA playoff of the Nuggets vs. the Blazers (which was perfect because they are from Denver and we are from Portland)
Battle of the big men!
The Lester family (Aaron, Sona, Oskar and Max) were very kind and consistent friends. Sona and I especially connected and as our circle of friends was similar, we were involved in a workout group and different social activities with one another. She was always helpful with the boys if I needed it and the kids always had so much fun playing together. They are a family from the consulate, so perhaps we'll have to travel and see them someday in another part of the world. For now, their family is having a "normal American experience" living in Kentucky for a few years (they have lived in many cities in Europe.)
Going away dinner with the Lesters and a two other families that they are friends with.
One of the hardest goodbyes for me was saying goodbye to the Williamson family: Luke, Leah and Liza. Leah was one of my closest friends here; it was rare that we didn't see each other once, twice or even three times during a week. We participated in the same Bible study for almost two years and Leah also had a workout group twice a week that I consistently attended. Their house was very close to ours, and I always felt safer when Ben was out of town knowing that I could call on them if I had an emergency. Leah is one the steadiest, kindest and most determined people that I have ever met and I don't know how I would have survived our first two years without her friendship. I will miss her dearly!
One of the hardest goodbyes for me was saying goodbye to the Williamson family: Luke, Leah and Liza. Leah was one of my closest friends here; it was rare that we didn't see each other once, twice or even three times during a week. We participated in the same Bible study for almost two years and Leah also had a workout group twice a week that I consistently attended. Their house was very close to ours, and I always felt safer when Ben was out of town knowing that I could call on them if I had an emergency. Leah is one the steadiest, kindest and most determined people that I have ever met and I don't know how I would have survived our first two years without her friendship. I will miss her dearly!
Going away dinner for Leah at Senora Tanaka
Saying goodbye at church: we will miss seeing their faces every Sunday!
My amigas who helped me survive long days at home with Josh while the twins were in school: Leah and Amanda.
And our kiddos: Josh, Harvey and Liza
I saved the hardest goodbye for last: the Andersons. We have really felt the impact of Clayton and Megan moving! We have so many fond memories with these two: from countless meals while watching sporting events, to the boys doing hikes together, to a trip to Monterreal together...we passed a lot of time with Clayton and Megan. Megan was also in weekly Bible study with me, and she was my friend who would come over and help while Ben was out of town. We always appreciated that they not only tolerated hanging out with our kids, but instead paid attention to them, played with them and loved them. They became like family to us here in Monterrey. Thankfully, they only moved to Washington DC, and we're all already planning road trips in one another's cities sooner rather than later. We know that we will see them again!
One last hike before they moved: Clayton and Ben took the twins to hike Las Antenas
Post hike meat fest at a backyard barbecue stand
Praying blessings over them at church.
Josh loved Megan and had no problem hanging out with us while we had a final breakfast together.
What a hard goodbye! Megan and I passed so much time together, shared many victories, losses and tears with one another. I'm thankful for a lifelong friendship began in Mexico!
And because I never wrote a post on out trip to Monterreal with the Andersons, here are a few photos from that trip back in March:
Megan and I at the entrance
Sunset view from our cabin
Night time fireplace s'mores. Sam, who went on this trip still recovering from a horrible case of strep throat, cut his finger super bad making his s'mores still. Thankfully, we were able to stop the bleeding and didn't have to go to the emergency room for stitches.
In the morning, Megan and I got to read and chat on the porch while the boys went golfing.
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