Host Sisters??
If you have heard me talk about my Fellows year at all, you have heard me talk about my host sisters. That’s right, I have two host SISTERS: Ana Howland and Tatum Elliot (along with two cats, Penny and Dojo). Two of the most amazing, generous, and loving women I have ever met!! In starting Fellows, I kind of assumed that I would be living with a husband and wife, and maybe some kids. However, the Lord had much different and better plans for my host family. I remember this past Summer getting a call from Madison about host families. She asked how I felt about potentially living with two of the girls she did Fellows with. I was pretty thrown off as it was not what I had envisioned for my host family. However, I went ahead and said yes after discussing with Madison why they could be a good fit for me. Little did I know that this was the best “yes” I have made in my Fellows experience so far!
From the moment I stepped into Ana and Tatum’s house, I felt beyond welcomed and loved. They were ready and excited to love and care for me. Since then there has not been a single moment where I have not cherished and chosen by them. This has looked like Ana always making the time to catch up with me, even in the midst of a busy week, and Tatum asking me to watch movies with her (in which she usually falls asleep). They both have continuously provided me with a listening ear, in which I ramble on and on about how Fellows is going, and have welcomed spiritual conversations and questions. Most of all, these girls have been examples of what women of God really look like: quick to listen, sacrificial, caring, and full of grace.
Since starting Fellows, I have had so many fun and sweet memories with Ana and Tatum. Some of these include: winning the Carrot Cake competition at Redeemer, buying a Christmas tree, dinner with my parents, making a TikTok of us lip syncing Boyfriend by Justin Bieber (haha), Ana driving in reverse throughout our neighborhood, Tatum cooking Ana and I deer meet for the first time, talking about which cat is our favorite Penny or Dojo (I’m a Dojo STAN), taking them to visit my alma mater, and hosting a Leap Day Party! The fun with these two just simply never ends!
I could not be more blessed to have Ana and Tatum as my host sisters. God knew exactly what He was doing placing me with them! They have truly become a home to me. Love you Ana and Tatum. I thank God every day for you two! <3
-Maddie Ridgill