Dear Branch community,
Here I am, getting ready to leave for 11 months of service. It’s exhilarating and terrifying and at times pretty sad too. The nostalgic Oregon weather suits my mood well. But without all of you, I wouldn’t be taking this scary step of faith.
See, a bit over 3 years ago, I was a lost 19-year-old. I’d just gone through a breakup that crushed me, and I didn’t know how to move forward. One evening in the midst of my sadness, a friend texted: “I’m outside. You’re going to small group.” All of my alarms went off.
I’m introverted. Don’t make me meet 10 random strangers.
I’m sad. Don’t make me put on a show about how good life is.
I’m not interested. I’ve tried this whole Christian thing before and all I found were hypocrites.
But I got in the truck, and we headed over. I honestly don’t remember much about the first small group, but what I do remember is the atmosphere. I remember leaving the group and thinking, “I want what they have.” You were the essence of kindness and love and acceptance bundled together in that cozy room on a blustery evening. I left wanting more.
Over the next several months, I returned again and again to that little home. It wasn’t the fireplace or the bakery-level desserts that made it home though. It was all of you. I remember telling a group of strangers about my life, my real life, for the first time ever and the overwhelming love I experienced. I remember laughing as we made that horribly embarrassing music video. I remember being fickle and unreliable and still being met with love and commitment.
Later, as I cried myself to sleep over all that had happened in the last few months, I said to God, “I don’t know what to do. I’m at a crossroads. On one side, there’s the ‘me’ path. But I think it’s going to be really bad and destructive. On the other, there’s the ‘you’ path. I don’t know exactly what it looks like and I’m scared, but I trust you God. You get to be in control of my life.”
Several months later, as I rose up out of the waters of baptism, I beamed. I looked at all of you cheering and clapping, and I knew that the Branch people are my people for eternity.
In the two and a half years since being baptized, life has been an ongoing pattern of being thrown in the deep end and figuring out how to thrive. I joke around that I know God doesn’t have favorites, but if He did, I would have to be one of them because why else would He give me such an overwhelming wonderful community?
You’ve been with me since step one, and you’re with me as I take this next step. Not once have you questioned my readiness or competency or ability to go and serve next year. In each conversation I have, I have found only encouragement and support.
God has used you all to push me and prepare me. With the unwavering support of the Branch and God prodding me along, I am taking this step because you have made me unafraid.
Josh and Stephen. Thank you from the depths of my heart. I have seen how hard you both work to love and shepherd the Branch community. I know some days don’t feel worth it. But because you both followed God’s call on your life and planted The Branch, I now have eternal life with Jesus. That is huge, you two. Your people, who you lead with such love and truth, have literally changed the entire course of my life. No words will ever express the endlessness of my gratitude.
Liz and Lisa. Thank you for supporting your husbands and for investing as you do. I have only glimpsed the amount you both sacrifice in order for The Branch to continue, and it amazes me.
Trevor. Thank you for forcing me to come to small group that night and for being a constant friend and support ever since. Your enthusiasm for missions has played a huge part in getting me to this point.
Kayla and Andy. Thank you for being the best second home I’ve ever experienced. A year ago, I barely knew who your family was and now you’re all stuck with me. Thank you for adopting me in as family. I love you all so much.
Dylan. Thanks for breaking up with me. It was the push I needed to allow God to work.
Ryan. Thank you for your friendship and for somehow remaining friends with me over the last four tumultuous years. You’re the best wall-building partner in the world.
Christina. Thank you for being glued to my side as we interned together. There’s no one else I would’ve wanted walking through it with me. Your dedication and maturity are an example I strive after.
Buckley. Thank you for your knowledge of and reliance on the word of God. Your character speaks volumes.
Bobbie. Thanks for being so relatable and honest. Anyone would be lucky to call you a friend.
Matt and Jackie. I look forward to the end of every day because I get to spend it with your family. Matt, thank you for leading me on my first mission trips and for baptizing me. You have helped me to experience so much growth. Jackie, you are a voice for the voiceless and your words always make me more compassionate.
Trent. Your joy alters the atmosphere around you for the better. Thanks for your genuine interest in the lives of others. And for leading small group with me; I couldn’t have done it without you.
Gabby. Thank you for being so centered on Christ. You are easily one of the godliest women I have met. Your investment in my life and our friendship speaks volumes of the kind of person you are.
Joanna. You are the epitome of grace and compassion. I will always have more to learn from you.
Davey and Anna. Davey, thank you for helping me see myself as a leader, from Boston to The Branch. Your genuine care and biting sarcasm are a wonderful combo. You constantly make me feel included in your life, and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to lead me through the internship. Anna, thank you for diving right into The Branch. Not long ago, you were new to a community that must have been overwhelming, and now I can’t imagine our church without you. And thanks for keeping me sane in Thailand.
Stephanie. Thank you for showing me what it means to lead by serving. Your dedication and joy-filled spirit have been a wonderful example to me.
This list could be endless, you guys. I thank God always for giving me The Branch as my family.
