The End of an Era...

Ah last night marked the end of an era in my small group.

Last night was the final evening that my current 8th graders would be in my small group. They are now moving on to bigger and better things, namely high school. This was a banner year for 8th graders from my group too because this is the first batch of kids that have been with me since the beginning. John and Kevin were my faithful two that have been with my during all three years of my time on staff. They were consistant in being there every week, they were the ones who encouraged me and others in the group, and they were the ones I have the most memories with. I have spent several camps with John and Kevin, specifically, and have seen them really change over the years. I got to be there when John was saved at summer camp, I got to be there when Kevin grew out of wearing Zelda shirts everyday. I got be there when Kevin had his first girlfriend and then realized that it was totally selfish and stupid to have a girlfriend in 8th grade so he dumped her. So many things we have done and seen and experienced together, and now its all over.

I have more than just John and Kevin though. I have like 8 8th graders in all. Christian, Austin, and Luke were all transplants from another group after their leader stepped down. They made their home in my group after being passed around from several leaders who stepped down. They have all been a joy to have in my group since they joined last summer. I will miss them all.

Carter, Dillion, Zack, and Dylan were also part of my group. Even though they were not there often becasue of sports or other activites, they were still part of the group. They are moving on to bigger things now too.

To all my eighth graders, I pray everyday that you will continue to pursue Jesus with all of your hearts. All of you have made an impact in my life and I hope I have in yours! Thanks for having fun with me and letting me be your leader for a while. Have fun in High School, you are in good hands!