I’m listening to Julia talk about hilarious skits at youth group tonight. She and Nate are laughing hysterically in the kitchen and it is 8:30 at night. I should be fussing at them to get in bed, but I am grinning ear to ear.

Oh, I have the best memories of my youth group growing up. We had an amazing time. Our youth director, John, and our music minister, Tim, were truly a huge part of why I love Jesus so very openly. They are one of the pieces of the puzzle of why I am unashamed of His name.

That my children will benefit from the same type of group under the leadership of Kent, Cindy, Shannon, and Karen is a genuine blessing. To hear her laughing and telling stories to Nate brings back so many memories…

• Trips in a big white van to New Mexico to Ojo Amarillo to run a school for one week
• Trips to Red Rock and preforming Godspell on the most incredible stage ever
• Trips to St. Louis and Myrtle Beach
• Legendary sunburns
• Poop Deck
• Working the nursery at 11am
• Bible studies with my parents and the Leone family
• So many talks with my best friend Jen
• A support network of friends that still carries me today
• Laying in the sanctuary at 4pm on a Sunday just to watch the stained glass dance as the sun set

I will quietly smile and let them stay up past their bedtime tonight, letting them make their own list of memories.

Love you all,

Kate

P.S. CRUMY = Custer Road United Methodist Youth from Plano, Texas. Best youth group ever.