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.
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.
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Kristin, what a fun way to celebrate & honor a friend! Loved this!
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 :).
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!
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
Thanks, Candace! I'm glad you're here!
Thank you! So glad to see you here today!
She's from Bulgaria. Her family has been here a little over 7 years. They have quite a story. Love you too.
Congratulations, Daniel! Our DIL became a US Citizen several years ago – she was born in Cuba!
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.
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! 🙂
I love thinking about God smiling – so thanks for that, Tiffany! I always love seeing you here.
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!
How neat! Thanks for being here, Susan!
"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!
Such an awesome story!
Thanks, Michelle!