Before I took my journey to college, my parents and I prayed daily that God would provide me with friends who would encourage my walk with God and would love me for me, flaws and all. God came through ten fold. The first day I stepped on campus I unknowingly met the group of girls that would become very near and dear to my heart. These girls have become more than just my friends. In the words of Francesca Battistelli in her song Hands of God, "To me you are the hands of God." This is my thank you letter to you.

Honestly, on my own I would not have been able to get through last year and have the strength to start another year. You helped me through one of the hardest periods of my life and I could never thank you enough. You took the pressure off of my shoulders. You helped me see that I am only human and you saw through all of my excuses. You showed me that I could not get through on my own. Here are all of the ways that you were the hands of God to me.

"Every time you speak out and say the words I need to hear."

Sometimes this would just come from you sharing what God showed you in your quiet time. I always found it amazing that what God was showing you was exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes it would come from you telling a story. What amazes me the most is how sometimes you would never know that what you were saying was what I was struggling with. Other times I would vent to you and the words that you gave me were the best gift I have ever received.

"Every time you reach out I can feel His love so near."

You have shown be God's love on numerous occasions by simply asking me how I was doing. Countless nights you spent listening to my problems and offering me words of encouragement. In those moments, I felt God's love more than any other time in my life. You listened to me because you knew I needed a friend.

"Every time you stop what you're doing and help me find my way again."

Lord knows that I get off the path all the time. I worry more than what is healthy and my emotions aren't even close to being in check. You know this and you are what keeps me on the right track. You know exactly how to help me check myself before I wreck myself.

"But I believe He gave me you to remind me the face of love, an answered prayer, the hands of God With me right here."

God put you in my life for a reason. I see him through you and that was exactly what I needed. God uses people every day to help those who need Him to focus their eyes back on Him. You were that for me.

You helped me when I was hurting and gave me words of wisdom when I was searching. I could never thank you enough. The only thing I can do is tell you how much I love you and hope that one day God uses me to help you when you are in need.