13 going on 30

We first met when Misha was 13 (I think). It was freshman year and we had forensics together. I had just been forced to switch from West High to Stockdale, and I was sad and lonely. I had no clue that she was part of God's plan for my life. A big part of it. We were just acquaintances for a while, but soon our friendship blossomed. We started our days together at her house and ended them together on the GET bus. I love thinking back to that first year of friendship. I have fond memories of a pregnant Penny (Misha's mom) driving away because we were running late as Misha chased down the van with shoes in her hand, of us knocking on the hermit lady's door-- not sure what we would do if she answered, of our GET bus rides and long walks home with James and Jessica.

It's funny though, because I don't think our friendship REALLY was solidified until I went back to West. She started hanging out with my West friends and from that point on, we were inseparable. She came to West High formals, proms, football games and pretty much any other event we had. We were bonded by the fun we had together, but our friendship was deeper than that. I admired her uniqueness. Her willingness to stand up for her beliefs. She never conformed to what other high schoolers expected her to be, but rather expressed her individuality and passion for God. Since I can remember, she's had a passion for the children of Africa-- even asking for a book about Africa as one of her 3 Christmas gifts when we were in high school.

Each year our friendship grew stronger. She came on vacation with me to stay with my family in Washington; I went with her to visit her family in Canada. Her family became my family. Soon they switched churches to Westbrook and now my two best friends were at the same church. I got involved because they were involved. I'm thankful for their influence. Thankful that they helped me to know God in a new way. We were more than just friends, we were sisters in Christ-- such a rare gift in your high school years.
Since high school, so much had changed. And yet, our friendship has remained constant. Through near death in the Grand Canyon, college degrees, many moves, both of our weddings, two (almost three) kids, a dream fulfilling trip to Africa, she's still the same unique, passionate friend that I had my freshman year. And today that 13 year old I once knew, is turning 30! Happy birthday Andrea Mishael! Thank you for teaching me what it is to be a confident christian woman. Your son is so lucky to have you as his mommy.