#tearfest2012

#tearfest2012, goodbye party, celebration, cookout, Mary's last small group...whatever you want to call it, it happened and it was everything and more than I could imagine!  I was weepy just getting ready to head over to the usual meeting place just knowing this would be the last time I'd get to spend with this group, in this setting.  You see, this group has changed and molded me for the past few years.  They are so much more than they ever give themselves to be and so much more to me than I will ever be able to express.  This group of students will undoubtedly be global changers.  They are "a generation stepping up to take their place" in an amazing way.  Like most other leaders, I wanted to jump in to help them.  I learned quickly that they were the ones helping me.  They stretch me, humble me, confide in me, make me vulnerable and make me excited to take huge leaps as they have been incredible cheerleaders along this crazy journey.  I LOVE THEM ALL.  Period. 

Watching the incredible video that was made for me!

The fellow leaders are just as amazing.  They give so much of their time and selflessly give up time with their own families because they believe in these students.  They believe that these students are strong enough and bright enough to get friends and their whole community to rise up.  Unless you've experienced a Wednesday night with these incredible leaders and see their passion, you can't possible comprehend what I've witnessed.  They have left a huge imprint on my heart.  And they have raised the bar.
So to everyone who made me feel so loved, thank you.  To everyone who had a part in the incredible video, bravo!  To everyone who has challenged me to go further and to completely surrender, I thank God EVERY day for bringing you into my life.  You have changed me forever. 

Here is a link to the video.  I believe the intro to it was "This is the part of the night where you decide not to move and to stay here"  xoxoxo  So many laughs and tears all packed into one video- you guys rock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAnit_lsYmU&feature=share