Here’s the final installment of guest posts from my teammates. This one is from Julie whom I’ve spent the past 10 months with.
“Oh how do I begin, Ashley and I have had the pleasure of spending our entire year together. We have never been apart for longer than 24 hours other than the one instance during PVT (longest 4 days ever). She has been the most consistent person I have had on the race. She has kept me sane, kept me laughing, and kept me accountable. Ashley is a friend you will have forever she is loyal, understanding, and will challenge you.
Ashley has shown me her loyalty in the way she loves unconditionally. Ashley and I have many different view points in this life. We have different opinions, sometimes different values, different experiences but we love each other anyways. She can look past differences and see the person you really are, she is willing to look past all the bad stuff, she is willing to forgive and forget. She is always there for you when she is needed and even when she is unwanted at times. She knows when to intervene and when to let you realize something on your own.
Ashley is funny. If there is one thing we have learned over the last 10 months is that we have a sense of humor that only the two of us understand sometimes. I am Lorelei and she is Rory (Gilmore Girls). We can speak in our own language as others just stand next to us baffled by what is unfolding next to them.
Ashley is a great accountability partner, there have been multiple times where I have asked her to help me stay accountable in something and she will follow up with me multiple times a week. She knows when to ask to make you realize you aren’t doing well in the goal you have set for yourself.
Ashley sets and example. She walks in dignity and grace. Ashley has lived through a lot, she has withheld, she has strived, she has survived. She is strong, she is known, she is seen, she is loved. Ashley is a beautiful person inside and out, she knows what its like to have lost someone or something. She listens and obeys God like no one I have meet before. She is obedient and abiding. She has challenged me in my obedience, in my discipline, and in my outlook. I have learned so much from her the last 10 months and I know our friendship is no where near over.
Ashley is a friend to fight for, cherish, and love for a life time. Those who have had the privilege of knowing her know the value that she has added to their lives and those who have yet to meet her, oh just wait!!!
Love you Ashley!“ Julie Watson
