A few of my non-McGrail sisters...

Most of you probably know this, but when we first moved up to Duluth, I started working with the youth group at my church. Yesterday, one of "my girls" got married. It was so beautiful, so perfect. I journaled about it last night, I think I'll just copy some out of my journal...

"Kayla Kurtz got married today. Mr. and Mrs. Derek Whitaker, Kayla Whitaker. Crazy to think about these last years. Wild to think about the talks we've had, over coffee in Excelsior, in Belize, taking senior pictures. Kim Knuth thanked me today for being in her daughter's life [Sarah Knuth was the maid of honor, and Kristin Milbrath and I were bridesmaids]. I should have thanked her for making such a beautiful daughter, that I would have the opportunity in interact with such a beautiful soul. I'm grateful for the fact that these students' parents note my encounters with their kids, but really, if I could only share with them how truly blessed I am, how Kristin, Kayla, and Sarah enrich my soul. I think back on all of this, how I started hanging out with the students at Lakeview thinking God might be calling me into youth ministry. And He did, a slightly different kind that I first anticipated, but that He started me on that path so that I would cross paths with these girls, these young women, who have forever changed me and my life. Who challenge me to be a better version of myself, not only because they seem to look up to me [because I'm practically ancient to them], but because they are already eons ahead of me. Who may be young in years, but not in life. These young women are not my students; they are my girls, my little chickens, my sisters, my friends. I started down this path thinking I would help others, and I may or may not have succeeded in that endeavor, but I am full. My cup runs over. I guess this is what happens when you seek after God and what He wants; whether it ends up how you expected or not, He brings so much joy along the way. So many exceptional moments. So many smiles, laughs, and tears. Today was one of those exceptional moments. Congratulations Kayla, Derek, and Conner; thanks for being such a huge part of my life."