Good Friends

Tony and Cyndi have become very dear to us. They moved here from San Antonio, and are an amazing couple for Texans. They're even willing to lower themselves and admit that Montana is almost as good as Texas... almost. Anyway, they moved up here to become youth pastors at a church plant. Unfortunately, that position went south in less than a year, with all but the senior pastor quitting over a period of three months. After some false starts with a few other churches, and still believing (though not understanding why) that God has called them to Missoula, Tony has started working for Missoula Youth For Christ. So, that's how they got here.

Over the past year we have had a unique relationship occur in a very short time, and it's been amazing. We have similar theologies, philosophies of ministry, and personalities, and even a similar sense of humor. I say we, because Tony and I are similar, and Cyndi and Shari are similar. Not the same, but similar, which makes for some fun and crazy times talking, eating, and playing Settlers of Catan, as well as watching our kids play. The fact that we're both transplants into Missoula adds to the sense of camaraderie and friendship we've experienced.

Saturday night they joined us for Michael's birthday party, then stayed afterwards for dinner. Michael didn't care what we had, as long as it went well with mashed potatoes. So, we broke out pork chops and broccoli. Shari was sitting there wondering how to cook them, and Tony started making suggestions. Cyndi warned us not to let him, but Shari opened our spice cupboard anyway. Tony went to work, sprinkling a little of this and a little of that onto the chops. In the end, our opinion of Cyndi's tastes in food went down, and Tony's cooking ability went up. Even Cyndi had to agree that the chops were some of the best we've ever eated (even better than mom's - Gasp!). We enjoyed the evening with good food and good company, and our kids enjoyed continuing to build their friendships. Now, what to do about Benjamin and his relationship with their daughter (about a year younger than Ben). We've got a few years, I guess.