"Co-incidental" Meetings

Years ago, my husband was stationed in Alaska.  It was winter & snowing.  I was walking my dog in when a woman walking HER dog came toward me.  As she I approached, I had a sudden recognition.  “Margaret?” I exclaimed.  “Sue?” she replied.

Turns out HER husband had just been transferred to Eielson AFB near Fairbanks.  We had met each other in Omaha, NE.  I could hardly believe our paths had crossed in the frozen North!!  In fact, she had moved in next door to me & I had been so involved in my own stuff, I had barely noticed I had new neighbors.

It was the first time this had happened to me in my life-this running into people so far away from our first meeting.  But it was not to be the last.

When stationed in the Dayton area, I was invited to coffee at a new friend’s home only to be introduced to someone I had known in Bossier City, LA!  She recognized me first & squealed with delight over our renewed friendship. 

Keep in mind, these were the days before Facebook!! I see these incidents as Divine appointments, orchestrated by a loving Father her knows that the friendships we make here can last for Eternity. 

My latest “coincidence” involved an impromptu visit to my church.  I was inquiring about some needed kitchen duties during VBS.  Sitting in the church office, I saw a man enter, along with 3 kids.  His wife brought up the rear.  I was surprised to recognize her immediately, then her husband as friends we knew when my husband was stationed at the Pentagon in the DC area.

John & Marie had answered God’s call to Australia as missionaries.  It had been 15 years since I had seen them until that ‘chance’ meeting in the church office.

Their schedule allowed for a 2 day stay in the area & I promptly invited to my home.  Such impulsivity could have been cause for alarm, but at least for this time, I was pretty much ready for company. 

I do a quick inspection of my freezer weekly, so I knew what was available food-wise.  I had frozen some  queso dip leftover from my son’s birthday party the month prior.  I decided to go Tex-Mex using cooked rotisserie chickens as the basis for chicken tacos.  Adding salad fixings rounded out the meal.  I also had frozen cookie dough on hand for dessert.

The time visiting was wonderful & I am grateful that the Lord renewed this friendship.  Here is the recipe for that Cheesy Taco Dip that was the inspiration for our Tex-Mex dinner.

Cheesy Taco Dip

1  (10 oz.)can  Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies

1 lb. Velvetta Cheese

1 can chili with beans (optional)

Heat Ro-tel in microwave with the cheese, stirring every minute until melted.  Add chili, if desired.  Place in crock pot to keep warm.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Confectionately  Yours,

Sue