Wow, where do I even being?
Emily Lincoln, your friendship means the world to me. I honestly can’t even imagine what the Race would have looked like without you. You have been there for me every step of the way for the past 10 months. Having you not on one, but on both of my teams was a dream come true. I am so glad God placed you in my life! You have taught me so much Em! When I am around you, I am not scared of being judged. I am not scared to be myself around you. I am not scared to tell you my secrets. I am not scared to dance even though I don’t love dancing. I am not scared to tell you my struggles and worries. You make people feel loved. You make people feel heard. You make people feel understood. You make people feel comfortable with who they are.
I love how similar, but different we are at the same time. One of the reasons why I got so close to you was because of your willingness to sit down and hear people out even if you don’t agree with what they have to say. It is crazy to think we have only known each other for about a year. I feel like we have been friends forever. Throughout this trip, I have watched you grow in so many areas. I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful, intelligent, loving, caring, and all around wonderful person you are!
Thank you for sitting with me during the many breakdowns and heartaches I have experienced on the Race.
Thank you for going on adventures with me when I needed a buddy.
Thank you for watching The Flash with me.
Thank you for encouraging me to grow in the areas where I needed to grow.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family at training camp.
Thank you for always being willing to help me out.
Most importantly, thanks for being you.
I know we only have two weeks left on the Race. And I know our friendship will look a little different when we get home. But, Em, no matter what part of the world you are, no matter what stage of life you are in, I want you to know our friendship doesn’t end when this trip does. You will always be my Giraffe. If you ever need anyone to talk to, remember I am only a phone call away.
If your friendship was the only thing I got out of this year long journey, then it was all worth it! Always remember, you have so much to offer to this world. And anyone that gets the opportunity to meet you is a lucky person! Keep sharing your story. Keep changing the world. Keep being the light the Lord has made you to be. And always remember, your Lion loves you very much.
With all my love
Lion
(If you’re wondering why I refer to a giraffe and a lion, it’s because at training camp we had an exercise where we had to pair up with a squad mate. One person was the lion and the other was the giraffe. The lion lost its gear for two days and the giraffe shared it’s gear with the lion. Emily and I were partners)
