I was never a spiritual person as a child. I didn't completely understand God or anything I was learning in the church I went to as a kid. In middle school, I started going to another church with some friends, and it was so much different. It was better. It was more real. I met some amazing people at that church--people I will cherish forever--especially my youth pastors. In my last year of college, I can admit that I've lost myself at times and forgotten who I lived for, but I've always kept the lessons that my youth pastors taught me in my heart. They have honestly saved me so many times. This letter is for my high school youth pastors and to the many youth pastors around the world that have impacted their students as much as mine have.

Dear Ayubu and Charlie,

OK, I've already started tearing up a bit, so this might be really hard to get through. I was a lost, weird and shy kid when I first met you, Charlie. But you still talked to me and accepted me as your own. You watched me grow up since 7th grade and never gave up on me. You were always just a phone call and drive away, and that was so comforting. Your kind words and your way of never letting me dwindle on pointless things that got me down helped me through so much. Now I'm about to graduate college, and I'm still weird and semi-lost at times; however, you helped me find God and my savior, which has helped me find myself. I was always proud to say you were my youth pastor when people asked, "Who's that lady with the blond crazy hair?" I thank God every day that you came into my life.

Ayubu, I met you in high school when you came to our church, and we immediately clicked. Maybe it was because we're both Asian... maybe. But I also think it had something to do with how outgoing and funny we both were. You always made me laugh, and your smile was contagious to everyone around you. Your sermons always made me think, and I connected with so many of them on such an intense level. You inspired me to be a better speaker in front of younger people. While we made a lot of jokes and were always laughing, you always knew how to get serious with me and have a one-on-one conversation. I cherish those so much, and you'll never understand the positive impact your words had on me. You were an amazing part of that church and my life.

*deep breath* (This is where the tears really kick in)

Both of you have had SUCH an impact on the kids you teach at church. I remember how easily you both could get in front of the youth and just talk to them. Not at them. Not like we were just a gathering of kids you had to entertain for a few hours, send home and then collect a paycheck. You talked to us, explained confusing bible verses in a way we could understand and relate to, and you guys never ended a message without making it about love. My favorite part was how you always told us never to believe what you were saying, until we researched on our own and found the meaning for ourselves. I am still finding meaning in my life today, and I thank you for never letting me accept things without purpose.

As my youth pastors and friends, you will always have a place in my heart. Your words have shaped me and inspired me to be the best version of myself. There are many things I still don't know, but thankfully, I know that I was blessed and given a chance to change the world through the knowledge you've given me. I can't thank you enough, and I'll never be able to repay you. When God brings people together, he does it for a reason, and he makes something beautiful out of it. This, I will always know.

I love you both so, so much.