Remembering

As the fall dinner approaches I was remember-ing our past dinners. Yes, this is the 3rd annual dinner already. I came across this picture while reminiscing about the old dinners. This is Rachel and Bryan. Rachel lived next door to me for one year on Saipan. For a whole year, we laughed, played with our often rowdy dogs, we cried, we shared some of ourselves. It takes me about a year to let a person get to know me very well. I must have trust issues. I realize the policy with some long termers is not to get to know anyone until they've been here for 4 or 5 years, and they plan on staying. I guess the thinking is that it takes a lot to invest in a friendship, and when they leave after a short time, it's heartbreaking and you have to start all over. Well, I've taken a different view on that. I feel I should enjoy the moments I am given with the people that God brings along my path, even if I know that person will only be around for a short time. I'm so glad I did that with Rachel. She's a great person, and I'm guessing we'll be lifelong friends, even if she doesn't live here anymore. Our family sure misses her, but we're also happy to hear about her new life in the states. Most of you probably know Bryan. He's a long termer. Bryan hung out with our family from the time he arrived on island. Even after getting married, he still hangs out with us now and then as they have become adopted family members. He and Hozumi are always a part of the fall potluck dinner parties, too. So I guess the fall parties have become a time to share good fall American food with Saipan "family" and long term and short term friends. I definitely have some treasured memories so far.