It is official. Will and I are gone from Central. Last night was our last night. I can’t even express the weight off of our shoulders. I don’t think we will ever realize how much we have grown in these past two years until we get further away and are able to look back and see things clearer.

The kids threw us a sweet little “surprise” party last night. We took lots of pictures and gave lots of hugs. Since we are moving to the hottest place in the world, I got rid of a lot of my winter clothes (but I still packed about 3 boxes worth of long sleeved stuff, how dumb) and gave it to the girls. They were sooo excited. They don’t get new clothes or anything, so I really enjoyed seeing their faces. I only wish I could see them wearing them. The youth also got us each a gift. Will got a cute OU Christmas ornament that plays Boomer Sooner, and I got a really cute black wallet that has a silver OU snap on the front. Then, they gave us this huge framed collage of pictures of the youth over the 2 years we had been there. That was the best and is very special. I will really enjoying looking at that in a few years, just to remember the lives that we touched and that touched us too!

Then we got called down to the sanctuary where the adults meet and were given a love offering and a pretty little frame with the church’s picture on it and then a picture of Will and I with the years we served. They prayed with us and then that was it! They youth shed some tears, but none from our side. I don’t mean that to sound heartless, because I really love those kids, especially my girls, but it is time. I am sad to leave them because I wonder what will happen to the youth group when we leave and the foundation we laid, but Will and I knew it was our time to go. Like I said, we will probably never get to see these kids grow leaps and bounds spiritually, but we were there to lay the groundwork- which was painstaking- so that the next person who comes in is able to build from there.

So much more to say, but not now.

I talked to my sister last night. It was so great to hear her voice. We have our differences-like all siblings- but she is truly my best friend. There is an age gap between us, but I think that has helped. We don’t have a lot to fight about that way. I don’t think she is going to start school until the fall, so I will have someone to hang out with when I get over there. I was so happy! I just hope she holds out and doesn’t wimp on me (she is 15 but still panics if she is left alone, although I don’t blame her in a new environment). Our last day at home is May 10. We fly out that evening. I never thought I would ever say this- but I am so ready to leave! All through high school, so many of my friends talked about how they couldn’t wait to leave here, and I never understood why. Its like they had this sense of urgency that they HAD to get out of here or they would suffocate or something. For once, I can kind of relate. I will always love where I am from, and Will and I will definetly come back to Oklahoma when we are done, but I am really ready to go. Like I said earlier, it’s time!

I am taking my finals tomorrow instead of next week. As of tomorrow I am unofficially a graduate and in the real world! AHH! I better study! Thanks for listening