I received a text one night, “Friend! I don’t want to call you friend anymore.” Seeing who this text was from I was a bit confused. This was someone close to me and generally a sweet and affectionate person. Before my fear arose too much all was made clear by the following text message, “I want to call you ‘my sister’!!! Love you so much.”
I smiled. The author of this text was Sarinna, my dear friend from the Village, who got married the day before this text. Back in September when I moved to the Village Sarinna was the first resident I met and she is also on the Turner Foundation staff. She eagerly welcomed me to the Village, told me stories, cooked me delicious Thai food, and shared her story with me. I joined her on Saturdays for Kid’s Cooking Class and spent many hours in the Community Center getting to know her. From her openness and trust I quickly learned about Sarinna and she became a good friend.
During a rough time Sarinna went whale watching with her two adorable kids. Unfortunately they didn’t see any whales and as she told me this sad fact I saw this as an image for her life full or heartache and disappointments. However, I confidently told her that God would soon provide whales for her, that he would bring relief from her sadness. A month or so later Sarinna met George.
At the end of June many friends gathered together to celebrate the marriage of George and Sarinna. I had the privilege of being the maid of honor so we spent hours together planning the wedding and running errands to make the day beautiful. I loved going with her to pick out a dress and we had so much fun hosting her bridal shower with friends from Westmont and the Village. 
As we prepared for the wedding I learned a lot about Sarinna and George. They are both generous, hard working, and lots of fun. After many hardships it is great to see Sarinna happy and know that she has a loving husband and father to her kids. The wedding turned out beautifully. Being her maid of honor was humbling as I realized how close we had become in just the year I have been at the Village. I felt unworthy of the title because I have known her less than one year yet I was assured by mutual friends that I have had an impact on Sarinna and her family. I believe it is a testimony of the power of love and friendship. Here is a snap from the wedding for you to enjoy:
