This past week, I had to say my first goodbye due to my commitment on The World Race. And let me tell you- it was HARD.
Last spring, right after I recommitted my faith, I was looking for ways to become more involved at church. I met with Pastor Cory for him to see if I would be a good fit in Harvest Students… by the end of the meeting he said I would be great… and then somehow I found myself committed to going to the youth group summer camp before I had even attended a regular youth group night! To say I was nervous was an understatement.
But after the first few hours of the first day of camp, I was already so close with my girls. And this past year, I was so blessed to be their leader every Sunday night.
After my commitment on the WR, I knew I was going to have to rearrange my other commitments so I was able to fully prepare well. And I knew this meant I needed to step down from youth group. I decided that I needed to tell my girls at camp so they wouldn’t go in blind to the next youth group year and not hear from me that I can’t be their leader anymore.
I really didn’t think much of it– I really just wanted to be respectful and mature, and tell them in person. I did not realize how truly hard it would be. Right when I told them I needed to share something, tears flooded my eyes. I could barely speak because I got so emotional. It hit me that I wasn’t going to spend my Sunday nights with them anymore, and I broke down in tears. Right along with them. We cried, hugged, prayed, and cried and hugged some more. Although I’ll see them on Sunday mornings at church before I head out in January, I know it won’t be the same. But I know God’s decisions for us is not always easy.
So here is an open letter to them– my way of being able to fully express how much they all mean to me.
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To my youth group girlies,
Right about this time last year, I only barely knew some of you. I was SO nervous going into youth group summer camp… I was scared you guys wouldn’t like me! But, a few hours into the first day…. we were best friends! I had so much fun with you guys that week. It was a wonderful week: full of dancing, laughing, crafting, praying, and worshipping! It reaffirmed my decision to be a youth group leader, and I was so excited for the upcoming year.
To be honest, there would be Sunday afternoons where I kind of dreaded going into youth group. I would have rather stayed in bed and watched Netflix than be social. But right when I saw you girls, my day would become brighter and I was so happy to be at church with you all.
Although I was supposed to teach you all… you all taught me. You taught me to dream big, to laugh often, to smile more, and to include the Lord in EVERY aspect of my life. I loved hearing about your hobbies, your dreams, your strong beliefs and convictions… I was honored to cry with you in your pain… followed by big group hugs…. and I loved celebrating right alongside you in your victories and celebrations… also followed by big group hugs!
While I will be traveling all over the world next year, I will never forget you girls! You all came into my life during an incredibly difficult time… and I think I needed you more than you needed me… and that is something I can never forget. I hope you can understand how much joy you brought into my life!
All of my life, I always wanted a little sister. And after this year, I gained many little sisters that I love dearly!!!
Please know I am ALWAYS a text or a phone call away… no matter where I am! Don’t ever lose your strong faith in the Lord, and let your light shine SO brightly! (1 Timothy 4:12)
You are LOVED!!!!
LOVE ALWAYS, Lauren 🙂
