Last Night

Disclaimer: it's late, and I'm emotional. :)

I really want to say a few sappy words about Simona. I've failed to ask her permission but I will hope for the best. It's an incredible thing when you experience a love for someone that you cannot necessarily explain. When I met Simona she was 18, I think she may have still had braces. Of course I noticed her immediately because of her name; Simona is also the name of a dear high school friend of mine, and it's an unusual one. Her name was a point of connection for us. We met when Matt and I were first in Budapest with our first 'warrior' mission team in 2007. She was a part of the Calvary Chapel youth group and came to the outreaches we were doing in city parks. At the time we made no real connection, she didn't speak English yet and I certainly could not speak Hungarian.

When we were in Budapest in 2008 Simona was our fearless babysitter, guide and friend. She arrived at the house to watch Sydney and we could barely communicate b/c of the language barrier. I remember thinking she was becoming so beautiful and grown up. From that day on our relationship changed. I trusted her with our daughter and they-- and we formed a bond that I can't explain. There is a special place in our hearts for the people who love our children. And Simona loves Sydney and Sydney loves Simona.

When we got to talking that summer we discovered that we shared 'father issues.' I grew up for the most part with out my father present, but Simona never knew her father. Even though the circumstances are different, we've dealt with alot of similar issues, and because of that I think, I feel even more protective of her. She became a Christ follower even though her family thought she'd gone mad- at 16- exhibiting formidable courage.

Over the last three years I have grown to love Simona like a sister, or maybe even a daughter. I think of her as my baby sister. But the fierce sense of protection I feel for her I can only attribute to motherly feelings. I told her tonight, "I know a lot of people love you. But nobody, except maybe your mother, loves you as much as I do."

Pretty soon tonight we were both sappy and teary eyed. Her message on my facebook page in early summer was the final straw - the one that made us realize that we had to return to Budapest, if even for a few days. She said "I keep thinking I see Matt in Budapest, but I know it can't be him."

Before we know it, we'll be back in the States, she'll be back in school. We will go where life, and hopefully, the Lord will take us. But this love and gratitude I feel for her will not change, no matter how far the distance between us. I am so grateful that He makes us brothers and sisters. It's so true. A miracle.