First off, thank you. I’m writing this because I truly do not thank or appreciate you enough.

Funny story: I joined bible quizzing in seventh grade because I thought it was the thing to do, but I stayed in it for years after solely because of the people I met and the friendships that cultivated because of it. You were one of those friendships.

1. You are proof that some good can come out of technology.

10/10 recommend talking to strangers on the internet !!!

Disclaimer: I’m definitely joking, don’t put yourself in sketchy situations, but if you’re ever wondering if you should message that sweet girl or guy you met that one day via mutual friends, DO IT and you might just meet your new favorite person. ;)

2. You always know exactly what to say.

And more importantly, you say it even if it’s something I don’t want to hear. You’ve taught me that friendship is about so much more than encouragement. I’ve learned over the years it is about accountability. It’s about having the strength to admit you’ve made mistakes, and the grace and patience it takes to meet someone exactly where they’re at.

3. It doesn’t matter how bad my day was or how awful my mood or my outlook on a situation is, every time I talk to you I leave feeling like life is a little more bearable.

4. You don’t get mad when I forget to text back (so pretty much every day).

I’m so happy that our friendship is so much stronger than a Snapchat streak.

5. Sometimes you can hardly even notice the distance that’s there.

There are times when all I need is a hug and a trip to my favorite place in town and you are hundreds of miles away and, yes, that sucks. But phone calls and photographs and videos (again, thank you technology!) and really just the act of showing effort make up for any distance between us.

6. You inspire me.

I am constantly amazed by your heart and your love for others. Even from the small glimpses I get into your life, I can see the ways God is using you to change the lives around you. I love hearing your dreams of spreading the gospel to the nations. You impact and influence me in ways I don’t even think I notice.

7. You let me borrow your Starbucks and Chick-fil-a accounts to get free food.

Not only do you know coffee is my love language and the way to my heart, but you also are willing to go out of your way and give up something just to make my day, and that makes my heart smile so wide.

8. You’re always there for me.

You always listen. You always understand and sympathize, and I just hope I do half as good of a job at being a consistent presence as you are to me.

9. You love me unconditionally.

This one doesn’t require an explanation and honestly, I don’t know if I have one.

Looking back and thinking about all the journeys and struggles we’ve both overcome, it’s crazy we’ve gotten here. But I know you’re not going anywhere, and I'm writing all of this to tell you, neither am I.