Goodbyes

Another busy week has gone by and with it their were many goodbyes. The highschool youth girls put together a "Goodbye Party" for BriBri because she and her family went back to Africa to serve for another year. It was hard to send her off, but at the same time I was so excited for her bc I know their heart is there with those people. What a blessing to be involved in the lives of such incredible youth!!! Watching her heart for the Lord as a teenager is so encouraging to me and only solidifies in my heart that Jacob and I are doing exactly what the Lord has called us to. With heavy hearts we said goodbye, but know that a year will pass by quickly!

And then I also graduated my kindergartners this past week too. Oh my goodness how much they've changed since the beginning of the school year!! I just remember how scared they were that first week of school and they wouldn't even come near me. Now as I send them on to 1st grade they are full of confidence and not holding anything back from me. How I will miss them so much :(

Miss Molly came to say goodbye too

Pam (our room mom) and I pulled together their little graduation with a slideshow, cap and gown, speeches, diplomas, the whole nine yards. They were so proud of themselves as they walked down the center aisle to Pomp And Circumstance :) For my speech I wrote my own little poem for them with kindergarten rhyming words and said at least one quality I loved about them:

This year has flown by so fast
Teaching y’all was such a blast
With a heavy heart I graduate you today
But before I do there are a few things I want to say,

Grant I will not forget your sweet, tender heart
And always remember that you are so very smart
Ethan I loved your fun and care free spirit
Every challenge you faced, you did not fear it
Jeffrey you were my creative and grand story teller
And quickly too you became a wonderful speller
Daniel your knowledge of life amazed me each day
Sometimes you shocked me; I didn’t even know what to say
Emerie your sweet hugs and that pretty little smile
Made coming to school every day so worthwhile
Caroline I was amazed at how quick you forgave
And the outlook you have on life is so brave
Jarrett you always showed others your love for the Lord
The things you did to help them was never for a reward
Lucy every day with you there was something new
And I loved watching you giggle as you learn and grew
Payne you were always such a lively, but obedient boy
Watching you soak up what you learned was such a joy

I will miss all of y’all so very much
My life and my heart you forever did touch
Even though I do wish with me you could have stayed
I wish you sweet blessings as you begin first grade!

And now I begin this next week preparing to graduate our 2010 seniors! Our Senior Recognition Sunday is coming up in a few weeks and we're pulling together a slideshow and meal for seniors, their families, and the whole youth group. Once again more goodbyes...and oh how I will miss this group of girls so much!! I've been working in this youth group for almost 7 years now and seen them all grow up and it gets harder every year!!

It's hard not to get caught up in the busyness of May and overwhelmed by all the change. I have a hard time not looking back and holding onto the past, but as I sit here writing about these pivotal and life changing events I can only feel blessed to be a part of God's big picture. As I sat reading my bible last night I came across John 17:17-19 where Jesus was praying for His disciples:

"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is the truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

I was reminded, once again, that my life is:

1.) to glorify God in all I do

2.) to be sanctified daily through my relationship with my Savior

3.) to share Jesus to a lost world and

4.) to make an impact for eternity

As hard as it is to say goodbyes and move onto a new chapter, I thank God that I had the opportunity to be a part of so many precious peoples lives. He blesses me daily thru the lives of the kids and youth that Jacob and I are involved with. May I never grow weary of serving the Lord and may He give me the strength to continue with goodbyes bc what He has in store for the future is so beautiful!!