I attended the same church my entire life. I went through the nursery, the big step to big church, middle school, and then youth group. Yes, youth group. The youth group meant D-Now weekends, summer camps, and spending every Wednesday night at the youth building. These events are only a small part of what it means to be in my youth group.

I debated on how I would approach the topic of my youth group. I think that ours is so special. I decided that I would write this:

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY YOUTH GROUP.

Dear youth group,

I'm at college now, but I miss y'all like crazy. I see the posts on Facebook, and I still even get the reminder texts. I want to tell y'all that the youth group was my home. I was not afraid to be myself. I made some great relationships that hold a very special place in my heart.

I'm going to reminisce on a few of my favorite memories.

1. Singing to Lionel Richie on multiple occasions-

On the way to Student Staffers, we always had the mini bus thumpin'. The mini bus always had some type of issue, but we always made the best out of it.

2. Color wars with pantyhose-

For the record, the color powder that you can purchase for color wars works great if you put it in pantyhose and hit someone very hard with it.

3. Drama team productions-

We always had great skits that could relate to others. I'm so proud of how we worked together to demonstrate the love of Christ. The "Everything" (by Lifehouse) drama was my favorite.

4. Summer camp of 8th grade when I got saved-

Yes, my favorite memory because I gave my life to Christ. I am so thankful.

These memories are my absolute favorite and I wouldn't trade them for anything! I had my struggles, but I always knew that I could find help from those in my youth group.

I love each one of you so much. First Baptist Sandersville is my home and I am forever thankful to have grown up there.