congratulations, cause we've made it all the way home.

We're growing up.

I am just about done with my sophomore year, and I'm preparing to slap a few kids on the back and congratulate them on graduating. I don't like it. No, not one bit. So here's a little something for some that I've gotten to be pretty stinking close to.

Tyra Dutton:
What can I even say? You are just so amazing. You have been such an inspiration to me. You have stayed strong in your faith through all these years, and you are such a true friend. You care so much for people, and that's something I love so much about you. You think of others before yourself, and JEEZ I mean what a beautiful person. Christ absolutely shines through you and I can't wait to see what he has in store for you. Even though you are scared of the future and unsure of what to do, I can promise you that he's not done with you yet. The God that I know cares for his children, and I know he will take good care of you out there. I love you so much.

Shelby Armstrong:
I still remember meeting you back when my mom made me help with VBS and you were going into tenth grade. I thought you were just the coolest thing, and even after 3 years I can still say the same thing. I'm unbelievably excited to see where God takes you. Shelb, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out. You care so deeply about people, and you are a great friend. Even though I'm sad to see you leave, I'm even more excited to watch you grow in your faith and find new places that you'd never dreamed God would take you to. Just be ready, because I plan on making MANY escapes to your dorm :)

Lydia Humphrey:
Oh, Lyd, I don't know if I've ever seen you not smiling. You are always so so so so happy! I LOVE that. I love that you are totally your own person. I love that you love God. I love that you are just one of my best friends. I know you're pretty scared of what all this growing up junk is about, but believe me, God's gonna show you what he wants you to do. Life keeps on moving whether we like it or not, but I know that you will do amazing things. You are SO gorgeous, inside and out, and that's so special. You are so genuinely caring, and one of the best friends I could ask for. I love you so much Lydia :)

Maebry Halmes:
MAEBS! You have been through so so so much, and still you chose to overcome. You are an absolute inspiration, and I'm so glad that you are here today. Jesus has a HUGE plan for you, I can just tell. Even through the worst circumstances you could have chosen to give up, but you never did. You are so strong, and I love it. You are such a good friend, and always have a smile on your face. You mean so much to me, and I can't wait to see what God does in your life. I love you so much.

Morgan Casto:
Oh, Morg, where would I be without you? When things got rough in basketball, you were always the one that stayed strong and kept on truckin'. I already miss you, and your hair and humor and laugh and everything. You are SUCH a beautiful girl, and I love you so much!! God has something in store for you that I can't even imagine yet, but I know he's got big plans. You are a truly caring person, and you were always quick to make sure everyone was okay on the team. You think of others before yourself and that's so cool. I'm so blessed to have you in my life and I love you so much. :)

To all the other seniors, follow God's plan. He's got such good plans for you guys, and he just wants to work through each one of you. I've been so blessed to know each one of you, and it will be real hard to say goodbye. I love you guys.