Found Friend

A long, long time ago I attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO. During my freshman (and only) year, I roomed with my longtime friend, Patty, also from Alaska. In the room next to us was a gal named Cheryl who became one of our group of friends. The three of us had a blast together, getting into mischief, visiting the elderly at the retirement home, sledding down the hill, rooting for the school's soccer team, singing (yes, I actually sang in a trio with them!), going on weekend service trips, etc.

Cheryl and I each only attended that one year. Our friend Patty did another year. Somehow though, we let Cheryl get away with no phone number or address. I knew her last name and the town she grew up in, that's all. I have searched for her off and on over the years using the internet but to no avail. Until last Friday. I put her name into the google search like I've done so many times in the past, and voila! up came her name attached to a new last name. Once I had her married name, it was a piece of cake. I found her and one of the places she works which had posted a picture. It was her! No doubt about it.

So I emailed her. (and since I did this from work I had to wait through a 3-day weekend to get a reply) When I went into the office this morning I had a phone message and an email response. I called her when I got home from work and we talked for at least an hour. It was so good!

When I wrote her I said, "you are one of the friends that I regret not keeping in touch with." Turns out she had been searching for us too. She has even been to the state of Alaska twice!

I am happy to report that she married a preacher! She is very involved in her local church and active in ministry. She even went on a short-term mission trip to South Africa this past year. It was such a joy to find her, catch up, and learn that she is still doing God's work!

If you have an old friend you haven't heard from in years, find them! Get in touch. Life is too short for missed opportunities to connect with those we care about!