"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
We have been asked many, many times why we love Tennessee so much, and we have never been able to communicate the fullness of our hearts on the matter. However, a friend summed it all up in an email the other day. I hope this friend does not mind me sharing a little piece of their story that has been such a blessing to our family. This particular set of friends have been on a journey to adopt not one, but two children from Rwanda. They traveled in May to bring their children home to their forever family. Their homecoming proved to be a great blessing to them, and this is a piece of the email we received the following day:
"Just wanted to let you all know that your kindness and generosity has blessed us greatly. The welcoming crowd was amazing and we certainly appreciated seeing so many familiar faces after a long tough journey emotionally and physically. Our home and car were professionally cleaned, our refrigerator/freezer and cabinets were fully stocked. We had diapers, wipes, pull-ups, clothes, toys, beds, car seat, booster seat, high chair, baby gates, strollers (2 doubles) swim diapers, baby monitors, swim suits, picture frames and a beautifully painted canvas with our names on it and so much more not only at our house but set up. Our yard was mowed and our flower beds mulched. I had new candles waiting to burn (i love candles) and new sugar scrub and lotion... no detail was left undone or not thought of. I am still very tired and not sure I have processed it all but it was overwhelming in good way, we felt the love that was poured out and know that was the love that Christ gives so freely. We have meals set up for 4 weeks 3 time a week... amazing friends. The process of cleaning our pool was started and all the chemicals purchased. We truly have been blessed beyond belief. We want to and will thank each of you personally but wanted to just let you know that you efforts and sacrifices were a true gift that are appreciated."
After reading the email, Greg's exact words were, "The next time someone asks us why we love Tennessee so much and would love to move back, we need to show them this email."
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
There is no better way to say it. When you are daily sharpened and lifted up by the friends that surround you, it makes life a little easier and lots more enjoyable. What our friends came home to was a collective effort of friends and family alike. We do not know all of the people who helped and contributed, but we are blessed to call many of these people friends. And they live this type of servanthood daily, not occasionally.
What a privilege it is for us to call you friends. We love you all and want to say thank you for the blessings you are to our lives and family.
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