Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is only one day away!
Valentine's has come to mean a lot to Nathaniel and I, but not for the normal reasons. A couple of years ago we lost a really good friend on Valentine's Day. She was an amazing woman of God and wanted to do great things as a missionary. She was a budding Biology student and definitely put me to shame with her diligence. After her death I was left wondering how God could take such a beautiful person who was going to give her whole life to Him. She had often talked about her family and about some of her friends that she was witnessing to at the time. She really had a gift for fearless proclamation.The hardest people to witness to are often those the closest to you.
We had lunch that Valentine's and were laughing and cutting up like usual. We were a part of a VERY close knit dorm on campus that did everything together. She was leaving that afternoon to surprise her boyfriend with his present. She was hit on the driver's side by a Jeep Wrangler.
I sat with 20 other girls crying my eyes out and filled with such confusion and hurt.
I knew God always has a purpose for everything that happens, but at that moment things don't seem to have a great purposes.
We all attended her funeral together and wore ribbons to distinguish who we were and why we were there. We were taught about the Fruits of the Spirit, because those were her favorite passages. I cried harder than I ever have because as many funerals I have gone to this one was the closest... I lived with her, ate with her, shared with her, studied with her, and simply knew her. I will admit I questioned God so much and why He would do what He did.
The end of the service came and they had and invitational for people to accept Christ or rededicate their lives, which is only fitting for her funeral.
I got my answer from God...it only took 5 minutes. She had been a missionary already. Some of her family and friends stood up to answer the Holy Spirit's call on their lives.
I felt so small in that moment. Her death was to give those close to her life, eternal life.
It hurts still. Even as I am typing this I get teary eyed.
Her parents have decided that when the time comes they will donate their house for the church to use for missionaries to stay at.
She loved butterflies and funny enough when I find I am missing her most one happens to appear. I was very blessed to get my goodbye in the form of a dream. It was as simple as a hug and all she said was, "I'm ok" and it was over. I believe God know when we are ready to accept things. Nathaniel and I have decided to name our first girl Brittany Addalynn Balough in honor of our dear friend.
Everyone who ever knew her misses her and even those she didn't know she made an impact on.
We miss you!
Brittany Fogg you will NEVER be forgotten.