Becoming Ms. Frizzle

Today marks the end of an era at a wonderful church, A&M United Methodist Church. I have grown so much and have made so many wonderful friendships and memories which I will carry with me forever and everywhere I go. Leaving College Station isn't the hard part of moving, it's leaving those I love at the church that loved me back. From the moment I stepped through the doors that fateful Sunday in February 2008, I knew I had found a church to call home.

My favorite experiences at the church come from my two years as a youth counselor with the junior high girls. Talk about kids to keep you on your toes, and I love them so much for it. Their hearts are so pure and their love for each other and the Lord is a beautiful sight to behold! Most days I think they taught me more than I taught them. They taught me how to loosen up (Lord knows I needed that), act silly, and be spontaneous. I learned how to balance the roles of "adult" and friend. I will truly miss those random, rambunctious, rowdy ruffians! (like my alliteration?)

While serving as a youth counselor I also had the opportunity to meet (or get to know better) other fantastic counselors. Anytime two people serve the Lord together, you form an incredible bond that cannot be described and must be experienced. We learned from each other, we laughed with each other, we laughed at each other, we leaned on each other, and we grew to love each other. You all have a place in my heart and lodging in Amarillo.

This last semester I joined the Quarter-Lifers book club and was fed. Not physically (except for that one time Zara brought cupcakes), but spiritually. We had plans to focus on the book, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, but generally the book only provided the framework for our very random and brilliant discussions. Despite my short involvement with the group, the friends I made will have a special place in my heart.

During my first year at the church I was also involved with college ministries. I met two of my roommates and best friends through the group and will proudly serve as bridesmaid on their special days. I also made several other great friends who I will dearly miss as we go on our different paths, but I can't wait to see where life's journey takes them.

Last but not least, I was entirely blessed by the Adopt-an-Aggie program at the church. Mike and Carol are two of the sweetest people I have every met and they took me in (quite literally in January) as if I was their own daughter. They provided me with a roof over my head when my house had no heat or water, they took me to lunch (which is always wonderful when you're a poor college student), they came to an honors assembly for graduation when my own parents couldn't make it, and they invited me to their home for holidays with their family. I only hope that I have made half the difference in their lives as they've made in mine.

So, if you're reading this and live in College Station and don't have a church home, what are you waiting for!? If my testimony to the life and love that seeps from this church's ministries doesn't convince you to run immediately to its services, I don't know what's wrong with you.

Now I must go out and make disciples of all nations (or Texas, as it may be in my case), but I have been well equipped by all those with whom I came in contact at AMUMC. It's my turn to make a difference, I hope I won't let you down.