The Dortch Family

These friends have been with us from the beginning, actually I have known them longer (they lived in the same city in China as I did), but they were Keith and my first friends in Austin.

When we drove from North Carolina to Texas after we got married we stayed our first night in Austin at their house.  They were one of the first families we told that I was pregnant with Eli.  We've spent holidays with them, gone tubing down a river together, laughed and cried with them.  Steve and Tamara were the main reason we decided to move to Texas and I was blessed to work beside them my last 3 years with Bridges.  Their kids daughters have even said that Eli is the little brother they never had :) (I think they forgot for a moment about their biological brother, haha).

Needless to say, they are like family to us.  We also have a special bond because all 4 of us have spent time overseas and just something about that makes us closer.  Another really special thing is that they love Eli.  If you are a parent you know how it is when someone (other than family) really loves your kids.  We will miss seeing their kids grow up as well as miss them being part of our everyday life.  We pray that the Lord will allow our paths to cross again in the future.

We love you Steve, Tamara, Kami, Madi and Tyler!  Thanks for inviting us into your life and being such a special part of ours!