Hope,
There are so many things I want to say to you. You are an incredible young woman and over the past months I have loved watching you grow so much in your faith. You are courageous and if I had a fraction of the confidence you have I might be excited to leave next week. You inspire me with your passion and your drive. Your dreams are huge and you’re the only one I know who could achieve them. You may pretend to be big and tough, but your heart is so sensitive to the things of the Spirit and that is so evident in the way you talk about Jesus. I am so proud of you and everything you have done. You make me laugh when I’m upset, you make me cry, you are my best friend in the whole world and I don’t know how I’m going to spend 9 months without you.
I want to remind you of a few things. Some words of wisdom from your eldest sister who is so much smarter and wiser than you (haha). I want you to remember who you are in Christ. That you are so valuable to Him and that if anyone tells you, or makes you feel otherwise they are tools of the enemy, and you have come way too far to let him win. I want you to embrace who you are. You are talented and strong. You have gifts and abilities that are so unique to you, use them. Don’t let anyone boss you around. Stand up for yourself, stand up for your faith, you have the knowledge, use it. Stay empowered, oh my gosh don’t change a single thing, don’t back down because you’re afraid of coming on too strong. Put up a fight. You are a world changer. Remember that. You were born to be different, don’t be afraid to stand out. Make style choices because you like them, not because they’re cool. If you’re doing something to be cool, it won’t be cool in 5 years and you will regret it, trust me I know. Don’t get bangs they don’t go well with our face, don’t dye your hair red. Just don’t. If you like a boy, TELL ME FIRST. We’ll come up with a game plan. Go to prom if you can, hang out with your friends, make new friends, go to football games, live life. High school goes by so fast and you’re going to wish you savored it. Be nice to your brothers, they’re going to need you this year more than you know. Help out around the house, get your driver’s license. Do it all, or don’t if you don’t want to just promise me you’ll have fun.
I decided to make this an open letter because these are emotions we are all feeling. Saying goodbyes are so hard but the Lord has encouraged me that this next season will be so worth what we are leaving behind, and the hellos will be so sweet when we come home. Leaving behind everything you know for 9 months is intimidating, and frequently, I question if this is what I want to do, but I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and I just have to trust that God knows best.
Hope, I promise to call you and update you on everything. I promise to send you pictures and videos. It’ll be like I never left! And when I get home we can make as many “Loose brownies” as you want. I love you, Hope and I cannot wait to see how much the Lord works in your heart this next year. Listen to Him, He knows what’s up. Please keep singing, never stop. You’re so freaking talented, and I’m so proud of you. Agh this is so hard. Slay in all your shows. You’re a star, and you deserve to shine.
To wrap this all up, I want you to know that I adore you and you’re the best sister anyone could ask for. I know we’re not the sappiest of people but I truly mean all of this and I hope you take some of my advice. You are so amazing and I need you to know that I admire you so much. Even though you’re my little sister, I want to be just like you when I grow up. Keep doing what you’re doing, I love you.
~Sissy??
