Kristin Hill Taylor

Seeking God as the Author of Every Story

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Three Word Wednesday :: Celebrating In Community

March 18, 2015 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I talk about plans and community around here quite a bit, so I thought today I’d let you share in one of our latest celebrations.

Our girls were babies when we became friends. We can’t remember exactly, but Cate wasn’t walking, so she wasn’t much more than a year, if that. Surely we aren’t the only parents who keep time by their kids’ milestones. 

Since then the Gachokas have been part of one of small groups from church that has since dissolved for reasons that had nothing to do with friendship, sat around the table with us for Thanksgiving dinner and many other meals, and more recently piled into our minivan for road trips to Racer games. Daniel and Greg have gone hunting together and coach our girls’ soccer team together.

When Daniel told us he was studying to take the U.S. citizenship test, I knew this would be an occasion worth celebrating. I mentioned a party and Daniel quipped, “Like the adoption party you had for your kids.”

Hence, the America Adopts Daniel Party!

I’m not sure I can express how much fun I had planning this one. Starting with the invitations …

… and continuing with the menu, playlist, and game.

Not everyone who had planned to come was actually able to, so we had lots of leftovers. We ate burgers, pasta salad, and homemade mac and cheese the next day. We had hot dogs for another meal.

But the leftovers were more than food. The leftover laughter and friendship also filled my camera roll and will be part of our stories.

The dishes piled high and the crumbs covered many floors and counters, but I didn’t mind because the night was fun. This party was a plan that I’m glad happened. This party celebrated one guy’s milestone, but it encompassed a shared history and friendships that are built over time. And that’s the beauty of community.

________________

152 Insights to My Soul

An InLinkz Link-up


I’m linking this up with Jessica Turner’s Fringe Friday because planning parties is one thing I love to do with my time. Celebrating in community helps care for my soul. 

Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”

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Filed Under: community, faith, Fringe Hours, Three Word Wednesday

Comments

  1. JViola79 says

    March 18, 2015 at 11:36 am

    Kristin, what a fun way to celebrate & honor a friend! Loved this!

    Reply
  2. Candace Creates says

    March 18, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    Community is a beautiful thing! What a great reason to celebrate, Kristin. Congrats to your friend Daniel. I definitely keep time by my kids' milestones! That made me smile :).

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    March 18, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    I love this, Kristin. Our DIL will soon become a U.S. Citizen and I love how you put this: American Adopts ….
    Now you've got me thinking of ways to celebrate when her citizenship is official.
    But mostly I am praying for their marriage right now and for her not to push us away during this difficult time. I'm feeling the push and it hurts. Sorry didn't mean to go all sad. It's just hard.
    God bless you for the way you celebrated with your friends!

    Reply
  4. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    I didn't realize she was pursuing citizenship (or, rather, that she wasn't a citizen). I hope your family has so many things to celebrate in the coming weeks and months. Love you, friend. xoxo

    Reply
  5. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    Thanks, Candace! I'm glad you're here!

    Reply
  6. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    Thank you! So glad to see you here today!

    Reply
  7. Beth says

    March 18, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    She's from Bulgaria. Her family has been here a little over 7 years. They have quite a story. Love you too.

    Reply
  8. Susan says

    March 18, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Congratulations, Daniel! Our DIL became a US Citizen several years ago – she was born in Cuba!

    Reply
  9. Lyli Dunbar says

    March 18, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    I work at a small regional center for a Christian liberal arts university. I have about 25 co-workers, so it's pretty family style around the office. One year, we had 4 co-workers who became citizens — including my boss. So, we threw a citizenship party with "very American" foods, and each of them took turns telling their "coming to America" story. It was so sweet.

    Reply
  10. Tiffany says

    March 18, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    Love this, Kristin – what a wonderful milestone to celebrate and your invitation, well – too fun! These special friendships, celebrating our unique accomplishments, they are such a huge part of genuine community and fellowship – it's gotta make God smile! 🙂

    Reply
  11. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I love thinking about God smiling – so thanks for that, Tiffany! I always love seeing you here.

    Reply
  12. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    That sounds fun – and like a fabulous working environment. I thought you were teacher – so I guess I was close. 🙂 Hope you're having a great day, Lyli!

    Reply
  13. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    How neat! Thanks for being here, Susan!

    Reply
  14. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 18, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    "This extension of grace is a prime example of the beauty of America, the history of those who built it and the power of acceptance." –> I LOVE THIS. So true and I think I forget that sometimes. 🙂 So glad you're here, Dawn!

    Reply
  15. Michelle Anderson says

    March 21, 2015 at 2:15 am

    Such an awesome story!

    Reply
  16. KristinHillTaylor says

    March 21, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Thanks, Michelle!

    Reply

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About Me

Telling stories is my therapy and I love sharing them with friends on my porch.

The main characters in my stories are my entrepreneur husband, our high school girl who never forgets, our middle school boy who has no fear, and our joy-filled first-grade girl. As we live out our stories, we seek God as the author of them all.

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