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In 1985, six young women graduated from LMH—KRISTINA (ROTH) MARTIN, KATHY (RUTT) BEILER, JOY (FREY) MARTIN, MARCY (LEAMAN) SIMS, BETH ANN BRUBAKER, and DEBORAH WEAVER (an additional friend, Andrea Martin, a graduate of Eastern Mennonite High School and EMU, joined the group). Four decades later, despite now living in Lancaster and Cochranville, PA; Portland, OR; Chicago, IL; and Chapel Hill, NC, their bond remains strong—a friendship that began in high school and has only deepened with time.
Their connection was sparked by a shared sense of humor and the joy of laughter. During high school, they supported one another through the challenges of teenage life, finding refuge in each other’s presence. “We went to each other’s houses, stayed up late and did things like eat cereal at midnight and laugh till we cried,” they recall. “Through the years many of us would have a class
or two together, and this provided the opportunity to send each other notes, or doodle in the margins of each other’s notebooks.” These everyday moments laid the foundation for lifelong friendships built on connection, encouragement, and fun.
Despite the demands of careers and family, the group has prioritized reconnecting through long weekend gatherings every couple of years. A group text keeps them in close contact between visits, and their reunions have become sacred times of laughter, storytelling, and honest conversation. Through life’s celebrations and hardships, they’ve chosen to show up for each other.
Central to their connection is a deep- rooted commitment to Anabaptist principles—particularly peacebuilding and nonviolence. Kristina shares, “We are committed to peacebuilding and that is a common thread that we share. We work intentionally at this commitment to peace – be it interpersonally, at our places of work, in the broader community, and globally.”
Their friendship is more than nostalgic; it’s become a sustaining force. Kristina reflects, “We are deeply grateful for our friendships that have spanned the many years from high school to the present day. There’s something rare and precious about growing up with people you love and know so well. It’s an irreplaceable treasure.”
Their story reminds us that when friendships are rooted in love, laughter, and shared faith, they truly can last a lifetime.
