My entire high school career I prayed as hard as my heart could for God to take me to Africa. First semester of senior year I found the World Race, which (obviously) took me to Asia, Central America AND Africa! Also, senior year I prayed for more and new friends to enter my life, I was expecting those friends to come in the form of classmates or co-workers. Nope, God decided to combine the two answered prayers and give me a group of 48 strangers to become some of my closest friends. Gap D, you guys are more than my heart could have ever dreamed of. The joy y’all bring me is insane and my heart is jumping just thinking about y’all. I know I can’t, but I wish I could tell you all how much I love you. But, hey I’m going to try anyways.
Your determination and your focus kept me positive and hopeful in Thailand. Your friendship helped me thrive and your wisdom led me to higher places, thank you bunches, Mar.
Sab, I wouldn’t be who I am right now if it weren’t for you. You are intentional with me, you know and you love me more than I could ever ask for or return. Thank you for blowing my mind with your wisdom and grace the past nine months. I love you a lot, a lot.
If it weren’t for you, Jen, I wouldn’t have learned how to see God in beauty. I wouldn’t have figured out that God is in everything that is good. I wouldn’t have started painting and I wouldn’t be praying the same. Thank you, teacher.
No judgment, no cares, all love and all joy. I never had to pretend around you and you are seriously a breath of fresh air to be around, Courtney, you understand people and you adore every single human that comes your way, I’m glad I was one of them.
Nicki, you throw encouragement around like its your job, I needed you these three months. Thank you for being crazy, hard working and servant hearted. You make me want to be a better me, thank you for being you.
Most of my island belly laughs are with you, Laurie. You crack me up every single time we are together. You love me well and you give like crazy. Thank you for welcoming me into your life and bringing me joy when I needed it. Thank you for understanding me. I love you.
Hannah H., you love people a lot and you do it so well, the world needs more people who arent afraid to love and who aren’t afraid to be blunt. You have your head on your shoulders and I appreciate you a lot. Thank you for being my friend.
I know it took a while but, Jack, I do really appreciate my friendship with you. I’m always in a constant awe of the things you do and the way you handle yourself. Respect, man.
Brit, you were an answer to my prayers. I’ll never forget our adventures and I’ll never loose my respect for you and the standards you hold yourself to. Thanks for being crazy all over the place and totally chill.
I used to think I was good at sharing, then I became roommates with you, Molli Caite. You have taught me a load about what real generosity looks like. Thank you for loving me and choosing this friendship. I’m so grateful for you.
Diego Galvo, you just might have one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever had the honor of knowing. You love people with everything you have and you lead others to do so as well. Your bold and kind and God is proud of you.
Katie Wolford, some how you understand me. Our conversations make me so excited for life and the future and they point straight to God. Thank you so much for being real and having your head on your shoulders. I love you, friend.
I’ve had the honor to listening to you talk and I don’t think you know how much you’ve taught me, Dave. Thank you for being so generous with your wisdom and answering my every question. You have so many gifts and it’s been an honor living along side you.
Jake, you are quite possibly one of my most genuine friends. There isn’t an ounce of judgment in you (towards me at least) you are always making me laugh and feel loved. Thanks for always understanding me and always always wanting to listen to Tasha Cobbs. I value our friendship.
Reb, you are sweet and genuine and all things lovely. Thank you for being who you are and always giving me encouragement right when I need it. I so thankful for your heart that is so focused on the big picture and our Father. You love so much and with your whole heart. Thank you.
If anyone on this trip inspired my boldness, it was you Parks. Thank you for always saying what needs to be said and for living out “there is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear.” I know for a fact that God has humongous plans for you and that He is going to use you big time. Thank you Parker for never hiding Gods love from the world.
Mike, you are the biggest goof ball I’ve ever met in my life. Your literally crazy. Thank you for loving this whole squad like crazy. Thank you for being the best person at sharing and being ridiculous. You are a true joy to be around.
Claudia Fitzpatrick, I’m not even sure if I have words for you. You are truly something special and God is using you, man. I love you so much. Quite possibly one of the truest friends I’ve ever had. I couldn’t be any more grateful for you in my life. I can’t tell you how many things you’ve helped me through, being a voice of reason. You never stopped loving me, thank you so much.
Well friends, consider this your goodbye letters. I wish you all knew how much you mean to me. I’m praying for all of you. Thank you so much Gap D.
