Whenever I first came to this church, I was a nine year old girl still overcoming the loss of her grandmother 7 months ago. I came to the two week day camp they had in the summer under the suggestion of a friend at the time that also went. Little did I know, this would change my life forever. I have never had so much fun before in my entire life before I attended this camp. No doubt about it, I was absolutely terrible at the sports we participated in, but I did not care about that. The counselors and friends I had made brought so much joy to my life. I firmly believe that if it were not for this camp, I would be a completely different person, and not in a good way.
After enjoying the camp so much, I wanted to become more connected with all the friends I had made through the youth group there. Sunday nights were all I looked forward to during the week. Youth Group helped me grow in my relationship with the friends I made at camp, and in my relationship with God. Youth Group was my outlet to just be me, and ultimately the place I was the happiest. From crazy nights running around in the dark church playing Grog, to all the broken windows/clocks from playing dodgeball, I loved every moment spent at this church. Although we went through a challenging time, I am so proud to see where our Youth Group is today.
If there is one thing I know, it is that this church is filled with so much love. The church I grew up in began to fail me, and I began looking for a church that I wanted to be apart of. After some trial and error, I finally decided to attend every Sunday to the church that saved me. Although I am not a member yet, this church has gone above and beyond to take care of me. I am always greeted with "Hello, how are you? It's so nice to see you!" from those who know me, and those who do not. They also have kept in touch with me and sent me mail while away at college, and nothing brightens my day more than knowing they care about me.
To my church, thank you for all you do for me. Thank you for loving me and going out of your way to catch up with me, whether you know me or not. Thank you for helping me grow in my faith and giving me a place where I always feel so safe and loved. You have helped develop me into the young woman I am today. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to serve as a leader in the camp and youth group that saved me, and I can only hope I am even a fraction as amazing as the leaders that served me when I was a student. I am forever grateful for being apart of such a loving and incredible church.
