What do your relationships look like with those you meet on tour?

When I was a kid my mom got this book for us...

Orlando goes on a summer vacation and he is bummed because he will miss his friends.  He soon realizes that friends are all around even though you might be with them for 15 minutes at a rest stop or an afternoon at a lake.

Our relationships look a lot like that.  I know that little-while friends are important and special, but you have to seize the moment to make them.  Those moments can be incredibly awkward or surprisingly natural.

I hear you, Maddie.

I don't feel particularly talented at initiating conversations (I do think Kevin is.) but it's why we are out here...to build relationships...to encourage people.  So I try to learn from my mistakes and not hide because it is hard.  And look we have made friends....

(To be honest I am old and don't take pictures of myself making friends...weird.  SO I am filling this post with pictures of friends we have made while touring the past few years.)

Our relationships usually involve hugging, sometimes even before we learn each others names.

Sometimes new friends become tour mates.

Our relationships look like a 5 minute conversation after a show, or very long conversations that end in the wee hours of the morning.  Sometimes little while friends become long time friends.  I thought being on tour, and not being around friends all the time, we would miss out on big moments in each others lives. Thankfully, that has not been the case.  We seem to be around for a lot of real life moments. Lots of the rejoicing and the grieving that life has to offer.  I am truly thankful for it all.

We got to help with and attend the wedding of our dear friends Jon and Alli.  Kevin met Jon about 10 years ago.

We got to hold baby Arrow 2 hours after he was born. Kevin met his parents before they were even married.

Being on tour has meant we can keep in touch with friends from college even when they move a bunch...yes we are stalking you Jo.

We like to play games with our friends (even if they cheat to win).

P.S.  Thanks for the question Jason.  I realize this only answers half of your question.  We can answer, "What our relationships look like with each other?" another time.