My dearest Oakies,

I simply adored my time spent with you. I 

Don’t know how I had lived my life without you. 

Over the past 9 months you’ve changed. 

No it’s not a bad change. It’s a beautiful change. 

Tears have fallen down my face many nights

Knowing the five girls I left in Atlanta are 

Now ambassadors for the Kingdom. 

Over these last nine months you’ve grown. In

Ways that you couldn’t have even imagined. 

You didn’t see it coming. 

Oh but it happened. I feel a bit like a new parent. 

Unsure of who they will meet, 

Anxiously awaiting to see their child after nine months. 

Now I know you aren’t my child. But,

You wonderful five Oakies, will always hold a piece of

My heart. Don’t forget that. 

On this journey you’ve changed. 

Ready or not more change is coming. 

Even if you don’t feel ready, sister, you are! 

Bring it on! 

Usually I saw dive right in, say yes, and do the thing!

Today I say take a step back and seek the Lord. 

I have seen you in a new, unknown seasons

Chicago was new with World Race culture, and

Antigua was foreign to you. 

Not once did you quit though. I hope you’ve learned

The importance in resting and reflecting often. 

What you’ve been building will remain wherever you go. 

Anywhere your feet are, kingdom is there. 

If you ever need a place to rest those feet, my

Table will forever have a space for you! Also my couch!

Twenty some days are left on the “world race” 

Oh that number is probably full of emotions. 

Maybe excitement, fear, grief, anger, and happiness. 

Every emotion is allowed.

Every day may bring a new emotion or thought 

Try to give yourself grace. This is new. But

You can do this. 

Oh my goodness, you are capable of doing this. I am

Unbelievably proud of you all. You’ll always have a cheerleader in KJ

(Sweet Oakies if you can find the hidden message, coffee is on me in South Africa! See you across the globe so soon!)