Devin and I moved to Issaquah on a Friday, a week later we were at a ward activity cleaning the church. I met two beautiful young women who I have been blessed to get to know these last few years.
For the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work with the Young Women (ages 12-18) in the church. I hope that everyone has an opportunity to serve with the youth, because it was a great experience. Demanding? Yes, but very rewarding. I was released today and I had this idea to write each of you a thank you letter, but realized I would never get around to it, so...
Dear Beautiful Young Women,
You have taught me so much over the last few years. You have made laugh and you have made me cry.
We've goofed off at parties:
You let me be nerdy. I think we'll all agree that our Harry Potter party was one of the coolest things we've done. (minus the nasty tasting butter beer)
I chased you around, following potential creepers in the middle of now where, just to get a good picture of you rafting.
We've picked up garbage together,
But we've had a lot of great times too.
We woke up on early mornings to kidnap a new beehive. We talked in funny accents and laughed all the way.
We memorized the Family: A Proclamaiton to the World.
It has been so much fun watching you be together. You lift each other up and support one another.
You squealed like only beehives/miamaids can when you saw the announcement that I was having a baby! Every week, we talked about what size Doran was in my tummy.
You played the guessing game with me: boy or girl? You shared in my excitement when I found out it was a baby boy.
I was supposed to be your leader, but you were always there for me. You through me an awesome baby shower:
We've had a lot of lessons: on dating, missionary work, keeping commandments, and all things personal progress.
We became friends. That's what happens when you do a lot together.
We wore crazy sweaters?
And served in many capacities, including cleaning the temple.
.
We split into 2 wards, I cried then too. Knowing I was leaving a lot of you in the other ward. But, I've loved seeing you at stake events and online. And, I've made a lot of new friends too.
And served with a lot of remarkable women.
Why do we always dress up?
We've stayed up late, and told funny stories. I may have spit wet marshmallows in your hair. Sorry...
We've spent a lot of time driving to and from, sometimes getting lost. Sometimes almost running out of gas, and sometimes just singing and talking about boys.
You've given me purpose. A reason to be better, a reason to live the gospel fully. You've taught me to be friends to everyone. You've taught me to reach out to others. You've been an example of faith, courage, and charity. You taught me to love.
I think this song is a perfect example of how I feel about you. You are a light on a hill...
Thank you for being beautiful Young Women.
Love,
Sister Hill
