…we met on the mission field. Global Expeditions…Oradea,Romania…July 2006. Out of the 80 people on our team Katie was the only one I stayed in contact with. Little did we know that almost 2 and a half years later we would still be friends. And pretty close friends at that. Even with the whole country between us and sometimes an ocean.

We’ve used the phone as our main source of contact but honestly, nothing beats being able to hang out with your best friend. So how could I not be excited when I found out she was coming to Seattle. Because of an already planned trip to Chicago I was only able to spend 2 days with Katie, but 2 days is better than none.

Tuesday Katie came with me to my usual intern schedule and then we spent a chill night at home drinking tea, watching episodes of Psych, and planning our epic adventure around Seattle. Wednesday was fantastic. I was able to take Katie to some of the best places in Seattle, even a few I hadn’t yet experienced (and I’ve lived here my whole life).

Our galavanting around Seattle was grand. We went to Pike Place Market where you can find everything from street musicians with a rolling piano to the original Starbucks. We found this great shop that had nothing but maps and globes (it’s my new favorite). We met up with our friend Hannah (who was in Africa with us this summer) and got lunch at this whole-in-the-wall Mediterranean restaurant. It was fantastic. We visited Post Alley with the gum wall and then ventured over to Seattle Center to see the Space Needle. That in itself was a full day.

Katie got the chance to experience my youth group later that night before we headed to the airport to meet up with her grandparents.

Our time together was short but amazing.

I love hanging out with my best friend.