Proverbs 27: 10b Better is a neighbor who is nearby than kindred who are far away. 

These days it’s easier to stay in touch with people far away than it was in ancient times, but it’s still not the same as having someone close by. If you’ve had the experience of moving to an area where you have no family, you know it’s hard. I’ve done it multiple times over the years and it’s’ never easy. That said in each of these places the Lord provided friends who became like family. Sometimes closer than family. I’m so grateful for them.