As I have had a few weeks now to reintroduce myself to the life that endures outside of the remarkable month that we thrived together at Younglife camp, my brain continues to be totally packed with mushy (and heartwarming, nonetheless) reflections of the ways that we grew individually, in pairs and as a family during the season that we were lucky enough to spend so closely.

While being at home, I have submerged myself inside a steady thread of happy recollections that showcase the joy that is so unmistakable within each of you. Each memory being as beautiful as the last. That is why I am writing this: To let all 51 of you know, in the best way I know possible, how deeply each of you personally contributed to one of the most life-giving experiences that we could have ever asked for. While we were at camp, I was given the opportunity to witness Jesus reveal Himself through you guys. He spoke sweet words of truth through some, and showed every angle of His heart through others. I watched Him heal those who had been aching for so long, and heard Him remind us of His mercy and grace through the candid and raw vulnerability that came from a night of worshipping together. We followed as two of our brothers fell at the feet of Jesus. We watched the beauty as their hearts were changed. We saw them become new, and were able to be there to welcome them into their new family; into their new Heavenly Home.

I guess what I am saying is that I have never seen a group of people so hungry for Jesus. Every day with you guys was pleasantly filled with encouragement and support and the most gentle and generous of friendships, and at the core of each of those things withstood the love of our Father. Each heart on summer staff was pointed toward Him and the love He has for us, and each was devoted to pushing others to know Him deeper and further than when we had first arrived at camp with people that we had no intentions of ever meeting (or befriending) before.

I fell so in love with each of you. So much so that I don't even feel embarrassed writing it down for the entire Internet to see. I fell in love with your hearts. I fell in love with the various ways that you showed that you cared. I fell in love with the times that we viciously danced in Elk Horn on turnover days, and the big circle that we created in order to eat dinner together on rodeo nights. I fell in love with the letters written and left in mailboxes to read after a long day of work. I especially fell in love with the laughter that came from a treacherous mountain-bike ride, or a good game of "What Are The Odds" at the dinner table, or even a skateboarding lesson that ended very poorly (Sorry, Molly.)

I fell in love with the ways that you showed me Jesus.

I am so grateful for you all.

I love you.