Sad, sad goodbyes

For the past few years I have had the greatest calling in the entire church. I have been in the Stake YW's and have worked with the greatest youth (and presidencies). As part of my calling I have been assigned to the Boston III Branch, the Haitian Branch. I could not imagine loving a branch/ward or people more. Truly, one of the hardest parts of leaving Boston was saying goodbye to my dear, dear friends in that branch. I feel so blessed to have known and been loved by such a wonderful group of people. They have shown me and my family such kindness.

The youth are the most phenomenal group of young people. They are close, dedicated, lovely and lively. They can make me laugh like no one else can. They are all beautiful and strong women. I cannot wait to see what they accomplish because I have NO doubt, this group of young women will change the world. I truly, truly believe that they will indeed change the world.

Right before we left they came over and brought a Haitian feast. I love Haitian food (esp. Sister Lamy's). Poor Sister Lamy, however, after we decided we were moving every time I would talk to her I would end up completely sobbing. I, particularly hated leaving my young women.

They made me a sweater with a picture of them (which of course made me cry even more). I will always cherish my sweater and wear it with pride. They had a goodbye cake made with a picture our daughters on it (more crying). And gave us a sweet card (total sob fest at that point).

I have loved these girls and their mothers and leaders. Sister Lamy, Stacey, and Marie-Edouard became my very closest friends and always will be. I only hope that I can be half the mother someday that Sister Lamy is.

I wish that I could take each these wonderful young women and somehow let them see themselves the way I do. I am in awe and humbled by their daily courage. Their dedication to what is most important in life inspires me. I have learned so much more from them than they ever could from me. They became MY examples, MY teachers.

I KNOW that I will always be in touch with them. I cannot wait to hear about their graduations and college acceptances. I will be just as excited as they the day they receive their mission calls. And I promise I will be there when each and everyone of these astonishing young women marry in the temple (you can bet I will cry then also).

I wish I could have taken them all with me. I hope and pray that they always know that I am an e-mail and call away. I promise that I will always be here for them. And just as before, my home is their home. They are ALWAYS welcomed where ever I am and may stay as long as they like (Stacey, that means you).