Karagbe. . .

These two women have been a very special part of my life for over ten years now. I love them like sisters. They have walked with me through some of the most significant events in my life - dating, marriage, losing my mom, infertility, pregnancy, motherhood, this international assignment, etc. We joke that we'll be walking through menopause together one day, too!! When we were all living in the States, we tried to get together at least once a year for a long weekend. The KaRagBe weekend, made up of the Kanes, Schrags and Wiebes. I always looked forward to those weekends! About five years ago, the Wiebes moved to the other side of the world. Three years ago, we moved to the bottom side of the world. The Kanes have been in the middle. Recently, the Wiebes moved back to KC.
When we made our surprise trip to the U.S., we flew into Wichita, where Amy lives. The Wiebes drove down to Wichita and Amy and Diane picked us up from the airport. We had a very short Karagbe at Amy's house while we waited for Kevin's brother to get off work. Although it was short, our time together was very sweet. Just being in the same room together for the first time in 3 1/2 years was beyond words. Getting to hug them and hear their laughs for real (not on a slow-working Skype call), was amazing. I love these girls!! We're so thankful for them in our lives!!

After 10+ years, we've added three husbands and seven kids. I loved watching the kids play so well together. Of course I want them to be friends, but it was fun to see them want to be friends, too!! Definitely a very fun way to start our short stay in the U.S.!!