Abilene

It all started with a text from my dear friend Keri asking me to come to Abilene while her husband out of town. I knew it would be fun, but I didn't anticipate how much fun and what my definition of fun has become over the years.

First off, we've never visited a city after we've moved away from it (with the exception of home). We've left the city in the rear-view mirror and dust of the moving truck flying. However, we left Abilene knowing that we would return. Abilene was different, we were there THREE whole years (long time in the AF world), we found a great church, and we made friends both military and non-military that we knew we would cherish forever. It only took about a month or so until I had the itch to go back and visit. Thankfully, the time had come and Keri had that itch as well (and a place to stay).

I was able to see many great girlfriends and their families. It had hit me during this trip, I had made girlfriends! And not just any girlfriends, women that I had enjoyed talking to, women that I actually love and care for deeply!! My idea of fun back in the day would never have involved getting a bunch of girls together and chatting til late at night, shopping, or lounging in PJs. I was too terrified for that, too insecure, and had the wrong impression of girls, or shall I say women. Don't get me wrong, there are still women out there that are a little off, but God led me to some fabulous women during our time in Abilene. I realized that I don't have to just leave them in Abilene, I can text, keep up on FB and even drive for visits. This sounds like a DUH moment, but it's difficult to do this because honestly, I secretly enjoyed the part of the AF that allows you to leave people and cut ties. However, my friends from Abilene changed that. We look forward to more trips to Abilene, friends coming to visit San Antonio and Del Rio, and our trip to Vegas to catch up with others.

So, thank you Abilene friends, for changing my perspective on what friendships with women should be like. Thank you Keri for giving me a place to stay and making me feel completely at home. Thank you for showing me how incredible friends care for each other, make time for each other and open up to each other. You are awesome.