I look back at high school (2 years ago, sheesh) and think about the great memories that were created. I did a lot of stupid things, but all in all high school was a fun time. Though, I don't think it would've been as much fun if it weren't for the people I was surrounded by. The main group of friends that I finished my high school career with were some of the best. I didn't realize it in high school, but as I look back, I was blessed with some pretty great people. Now that we're all separated from each other and "home" is becoming a different town, I realize I should have appreciated them much more when we were together in high school. I guess it's better late than never....so, this one's to you guys (you know who you are).

Pre warning...it's about to get mushy.

Dear high school friends,

I miss you! I miss seeing you guys all the time. I miss being in the same town (as most of you). I know you're doing great things where you are, where the Lord has you, but I still miss you. In high school, I didn't take advantage of hanging out. I didn't realize we would come to a point where being with each other wouldn't be so easy to plan. Naive thinking of me (as if we were never going to graduate and go our own ways), I know...so, I'm sorry for not taking advantage of the time we had together in high school. I suppose it's made me appreciate time with you now a whole lot more.

Thank you for accepting me for who I am. I never feel insecure being myself around you guys. There is never a dull moment when we're all together. You guys are some of the most goofy, most fun people I have ever met. I wish I was exaggerating, but it's like a little kid on Christmas morning when I get to hangout with all of you - pure happiness and uncontrollable laughter.

Thank you for being friends who I can count on and for encouraging me to pursue the things I'm passionate about...even when it is some crazy idea like creating a YouTube channel. You are friends who build me and each other up. I think this is part of the Lord in all of us. We want each other to succeed and chase after the things that we undeniably love because it is the same way God looks at us individually. He gives us passions, dreams, and a heart for things and pushes us to pursue those things because they give us joy. Thank you for supporting the things that give me joy.

It's been a couple years since high school. It's given us time to figure out who we are and time to grow a lot in the Lord. And boy have we grown since high school!! Most of us are leading Young Life, if not going through the process to become a Young Life leader. We met through Young Life and now we're spread out through Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia trying to lead kids to Jesus through the same ministry we met Him in. That is one of the most encouraging things to look at. I don't know many (actually, I don't know any) friend groups who have graduated high school and most of them are now involved in the same ministry they met the Lord in. And don't worry, my friends who aren't involved in Young Life - I know the Lord is still working in you and through you. You are making a difference for the Kingdom with what you're doing too (I really believe so)!

The friends I have met in college meet you guys and rave about how great you are. I just laugh because I know. You are some of the most wonderful people to be around. Each and every one of you are so special and so full of love for the Lord. Your passion for Him is so evident that it overflows into our friendship. I am grateful the Lord placed you guys in my life when He did. That we got the lucky opportunity to grow together through high school and that we are still friends now.

I trust the Lord is using you where you are now for the good of His Kingdom. It's so exciting to hear about the things He is doing in your lives and through the lives of the kids you're ministering to when we get together. My prayer is that for whoever you interact with in the future, they will get to experience the goodness that I have from our friendship. That they will get to know how passionate you are about the Lord and how big of a heart you have for other people. That through your fun, goofy, good natured spirit someone meets the amazing God whom all those characteristics stem from. And if not meet him because they already know Him, that they get to know Him deeper through your wisdom, how genuinely you care, and how contagious the joy that flows out of you is.

My stellar friends, keep loving the Lord and loving other people well. Thanks for loving me so well in high school and continuing to share what the Lord is doing in your lives with me. I love you guys a whole lot. I'll see you soon (if not in 8 years when we open our time capsule).

Sincerely,

Katelyn