Friendship Born on a Cold and Holy Night

It was January 2016, and my friend Aleja took me with her to the library at NWC to study and sit “quietly” while she and another student tutored those needing help with their Spanish. Bundled up as Eskimos and carefully walking the streets where ice and frozen patches warned of possible slips, we walked towards the campus.

It was there that I would meet Anna Renee. A young lady fresh from her study abroad in Costa Rica. Her blonde hair and blue eyes would never let on to how good her Spanish would be. 

It didn’t take long for the “quiet” to turn into sharing about our family backgrounds, travels abroad to beloved Spanish-speaking countries, and prayer. Before anyone could understand what was happening, we were praying and crying over nations. God was knitting our hearts deeply together. 

That night turned into many meals together, bike rides, more prayers, photo shoots all over town, and hearty laughs. Plus, travels to Des Moines to meet her family, a family that would win the heart of me and Eddie, my husband. And not just any family, but a family that consisted of 10 siblings, foster children, grandchildren, and spouses. 

From that cold and holy night, other friendships with her sisters and parents would develop that would bring much, much fruit and God’s purposes. There would be bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, holidays to share, and many times of prayer. There would also be open doors for our own friends and daughter to reap the blessings of being a part of Anna Renee’s family. 

There is not enough “allowed” 😉room in this blog to document all the good that has come from this friendship. Even as I type that last sentence, memories come flooding my mind of the God-moments and ministry that have occurred since that night. It brings me to tears. And all because God took two nation-loving girls with polar opposite backgrounds and cultures, and fused a friendship that would warrant a blog post! 💖

Fast forward to August 2025, when me and Eddie had the privilege of having dinner with Sierra and her family. She is the sister of Cheyenne, who is one of the dearest friends of Emily, who, in turn, is Anna Renee’s sister! (Be assured that there can be another blog written about dear Emily.) 

I hope that by now, you are getting the drift. FRIENDSHIPS MATTER. 

Who did Jesus do life with?...FRIENDS

Who did Jesus change the world with?…FRIENDS

Who did Jesus truly call His family?...FRIENDS

See Matthew 12:46-50 and Matthew 10

To continue…why were we at the dinner in August? Because in May of that year, we had the blessing of hosting Sierra in our home while she awaited the housing that God had provided for her. An opportunity that came to be, because of my friendship with another precious friend, and where Sierra would be living while finishing her PA program at NWC. 

During the days Sierra stayed with us, we simply fell in love with this beautiful young lady and a sweet friendship was birthed. And on August 8th, she was having her pinning ceremony. Me and Eddie would be invited to her dinner prior to the ceremony, where we would be the only non-family and OC friends to be present. It was such a gift. What a beautiful family. We were so welcomed and showered with many thanks and gratitude. 

Since my friendship with Anna Renee, so many years ago on that cold and holy night in January 2016, much, much fruit continues to be produced.

John 15:8 states, 

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."

This is a message of love, the family of God, and the gift of friendship. 

I hope that this gives you hope and deep encouragement. It only takes one holy night, prayer, but most importantly an open heart for God to do a great work, the great work of FRIENDSHIP. 

As I returned home the night of August 8th, I could not help but to think that all along, God was thinking of this night. He knew that the chain of goodness and blessing would be poured out unto many others because of my union, sisterhood, and precious friendship with Anna Renee. 

In closing, I want to encourage you and share that me and Anna Renee are 26 years apart. Age has no bearing on a friendship blessed and ordained by God. He is only looking for hearts open to others. 

Do you create space in your life for new friendships? 

Do you allow God to surprise you with a new person in your life, one you didn’t even know you needed?

Stay open.

Keep a chair open.

Keep watch.

You just may get your own cold and holy night. 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!