My dearest Ellen Petunia,
I can’t believe it’s already been (almost) 3 months of knowing you. Time is going crazy fast and you know how sad it is going to be when we all have to say our goodbyes in a couple weeks. While we weren’t immediate besties, we quickly grew into a sister type of bond. I find it funny that you’re my sister’s age and I’m your sisters age haha. I have every minute of getting to know you and spending time with you.
First month Ellen and Sarah are nothing compared to third month Ellen and Sarah. That first month our friendship started over the fact that we both weren’t very verbal in our faith and kind of stayed behind together in the “comfort zone.” We both knew we were the ones that didn’t really want to pray out loud for the group, definitely weren’t going to lead the conversation in door to door ministry , and both dreaded listening prayer. Through forming that connection this first month, we realized we are actually alike in a lot of ways. The second month was kind of a stand still for our group. While we still did amazing ministry, we weren’t pushed or encouraged to step out of our comfort zone. We still lingered back and managed to get through the month without having to lead a bible study or lead the Bible story at Killarney. I think it’s in this time God was preparing us for what was to come. While we didn’t grow in verbally communicating our faith, the quiet and down time we had that month allowed us to sit with the Lord and just be with Him. Now third month hahah. A huge difference from the rest, and I know God was behind it completely. We are surrounded by a bigger community that completely stretches us and makes us uncomfortable (in good and bad ways haha.) This month I’ve seen you grow in so many ways. One of my favorite parts this month has been walking into a room, or onto the porch and seeing you sitting, reading your bible and spending time with the Lord. I know I say it every day, but I’m so proud of the way you’ve opened up this month. Watching you step out of your comfort zone has encouraged me to do the same.
I’ve loved every minute of laughing with you, sneaking into the kitchen to steal Nutella hahah, swimming literally all the time, and just getting to know you and your heart. Even when we get in arguments (they are little and petty haha) I’m so glad that we have that sister relationship that they are resolved in less than 5 minutes. It’s crazy to me that we met, spent every day together for 3 months, and soon we will have to say goodbye without knowing the next time we’ll see each other. I look forward to our country concerts in good ole’ country Alabama or maybe even Indiana. Our future trip to California to meet famous people, eat yummy food and visit the Queen Mary. I am so thankful for all of our time here in Africa and the beautiful, real relationship we’ve built here. I’m confident in saying that this relationship will continues to grow even with the 500+ miles between us. I can’t wait to see what is to come. I love you, I love you, I love you. I’m not going to talk about saying goodbye, because you know how we feel about that…. we’ll get to that when the day comes. I’ll say it all again: I’m so proud of you, I love your heart, I’ve loved spending time with you, and I don’t know what I’ll do without you. Keep stepping out this last month….be bold, Ellen Petunia!
With all my love, Sar xoxo
