Happy 18th Birthday, Aliisa!!

Happy 18th Birthday, Aliisa Joy!!!

About 4 1/2 years ago, I sent a letter to a young lady in Wisconsin whom I'd never met. I saw a add she'd placed in a magazine for a penpal and I thought it sounded like we had a lot in common and were a lot alike--little did I know just how much we were alike!! Two weeks later I received a reply- and we became constant penpals, exchanging 5 or 6 letters a year. Neither of us had any idea that we would become such good friends, or that we would ever meet. For two years we wrote faithfully-then the third year, we exchanged only two letters. But the fourth year the letters flew during the first five months of the year, and by the time July rolled around, we were scheming some way to meet!!! We met after just a little over 4 years of writing.

Our first meeting took place when I spent a week at her house- what a special visit!! We knew each other so well through our long correspondence, but getting to do things together was so fun!! We had a full week- swimming at a friends house, shopping for western shirts, cleaning at the farm, Ali sewing matching skirts, playing games, and of course, talking!! :) There were the square dance lessons, as Ali and her famly patiently tried to teach me to square dance in just 5 days. Then on Saturday, the WI State Square Dance Convention- the two hour drive during the morning as we bruised each-other over yellow cars, then square dancing all day and driving home that night. The next morning getting up early to drive to Des Moines to meet Dad and Mom because I had to go home. Saying goodbye after that wonderful week was so hard!!

Then followed another two months of correspondence before Ali got to come down for a entirely too short, but simply wonderful visit in October. She arrived just as we were in the thick of a football game, and she joined right in, proving that she could certainly hold her own, and even out-do many of us!! Then the next two days at home- playing lots of games of Catch Phrase and more then one game of volleyball. And on Monday, thrift store shopping, where we found all sorts of interesting things, right Ali?? :) And two very late nights talking!!! Then on Tuesday morning came the very sad part of the visit-- saying goodbye!

Then this past October, when the Ansons were in Chicago, and Ali and Ike came and got me for the week-end. Short but sweet, we celebrated Mrs. Klahn's birthday, talked, played games, talked, took Ali's Senior pictures, talked, took their Family Pictures, and talked more!! Then there was the drive back to IL, with another good-bye, this one slightly more bearable because she had the promise of another visit in the near future!!

And then this past week- 8 days, in fact- as Ali flew down to be with us for a week. The week was off to a great start after our hilarious drive back from the airport!! Playing UNO attack at Ansons, where Lydia was voted the winner after she made us smoothies (okay, it did have a little something to do with her actual score too!!) and we laughed over the dictionary. Enjoying days here at home, with games of football and volleyball, because the weather was so nice!! Then on Wednesday, as the snow fell, donning coveralls to go out for a rousing game of 'snow-volleyball'!!! And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as we spent Thanksgiving with my Great-Uncle and Aunt, then went on to Parsons to be with my sister Rebecca and her family. The drive back as we played Spades in the bus, in which I had the most points, but in the wrong direction. Sunday with fellowship together, then games of volleyball and football where nearly everyone in the family joined in. When it was too dark to play outside sports we moved to another game of Spades where Ali was the champion (but only by 5 points!!)!!! Then today, her 18th birthday, as we greeted her that morning in traditional Ulmer style!!! Spending the day together, and then that very sad part this evening, as we drove you to the airport for your flight home. And when we thought the trip was over-- it wasn't!! After a 2 1/2 hour delay for her flight, we sat in the airport terminal and played cards again. And then, when the plane really did come in, it brought with it tears and hugs as we had to say good-bye!!

Ali with cute little Jacob.

The Lord has blessed me so much with Aliisa's friendship. From her very first letters I could tell she had a passionate love for the Lord. Ali always encourages me to seek the Lord with my whole heart and stay close to my parents and brothers and sisters. After every letter I receive, and after every phone call, I always walk away feeling encouraged.....inspired......blessed. Ali is always quick to ask if she could pray for me in any way. I treasure the special memories we have together, and look forward to all the ones the Lord will bring in the coming years!!

I miss you already, Ali!!!

I'm so thankful to the Lord for your friendship!!

I Love You!!!

~Elizabeth