Goodbye's are never easy

As many people know, I make connections with people easily. Most people don't believe that you can have deep connections with more than a couple people, but it feels like I have deep connections with almost everyone I meet. Of course there are different levels of connections...there has to be for it be healthy. However, I do connect with people more than others.

I went through school this past year in Redding California. I had 700 something classmates; all whom I wanted to know. I got to know quite a bit of them, and every day with them was wonderful. I learned how to be confrontational, strong, beautiful and full of life. I learned how to be myself around them. I never imagined being away from them. I guess I never thought we would lead different lives again. But that's how things go.

I'm going home to Miami, for at least the summer. It will be hard leaving the people and the culture. I'll be living a totally different life, without the people I learned to call family. They mean a lot to me, and I hope with all my heart I can come back for a second year with them. You all are amazing, and I love you. You guys have changed my life, and helped me see that loving people isn't a waste. You all are beautiful people.

To my brothers: You helped me see that I'm a princess, and you protected and loved me like one. You also didn't let me use that against you, and you put me in my place on more than one occasion. I am so very thankful for the car ride conversations, the starbucks sit ins, the homework parties, the worship nights, the inside jokes, and the warm hugs. Oh and thanks for letting me cook for you. You guys made me feel beautiful and safe. Thanks. :)

To my sistahs: Where to begin. You all have been some of the biggest influences in my life. You were real with me, and didn't let me get away with crap. You modeled to me what strong women of God look like and let me be myself completely around you. Thanks for the sleepovers, the ice cream dates, the cook-offs, the cook-ins ;), (the cooking in general), the back and forth bantering, the movie nights, the worship nights, and all the fun all year. You beautiful strong women are lights in my life. I love you all.

To my small group: I can't begin to say how influential you were in my life. I needed you guys and you were there for me. When I had something amazing, or hard happen I could tell you! I never felt that deep deep connection that all 5 of us had together. I got 2 sisters and 2 mommas from our group, and it was amazing!! I will never forget your words of wisdom, and your ability to stay grounded. I'm thankful to have seen the transformation in all of you, and to have learned from each of you. Love you!