I love my Young Women...

(top row left to right: Diamond, Sister Rose, Latisha and Me

Bottom row: Maya, Jamara and Jessica)

Well, it's official. I was released from my calling in Young Women's on Sunday. I thought I was prepared for it emotionally... but realized that I wasn't as the tears started to flow when they asked for the 'vote of thanks' during Sacrament meeting. Even Jeremy shed a tear or two. It's just so bittersweet for me. I love the girls so much and always will. As I sat in Relief Society after saying good-bye to each of them, I realized how much I am in need of those lessons in my life. The lesson spoke directly to me and helped me to realize that I made the right decision.

(Latisha and Jessica)

I know that the girls are in good hands and that I will forever have their friendships. It's just hard not to have a 'direct route' into their lives. I hope that makes sense. I can't wait for the day when I go to my mailbox and there's a wedding announcement from one of them or something! What an awesome moment that will be for me.

(Diamond, Maya, Jamara, Jessica and Latisha)

I learned so much through this calling. The girls taught me so much. They have such tough lives. They go through so much that I would never have dreamed of dealing with when I was their age. They are so strong. Each one of them brought such a light into my life. I will never forget any of them. I know that Heavenly Father put me in this calling for a reason. I am so grateful for the chance that I got to serve each one of them.

(Jessica, Latisha and Diamond)

I hope and pray that I had some sort of impact on their lives. I remember two or three of my YW leaders who really touched my life. I have never forgotten the things that they did for me in my youth. Hopefully I had that same effect on at least one of these sweet girls.

(Me, Jessica and Maya)

I am so blessed to come out of this calling with such amazing new friends! The leaders that I have served with are so amazing. I couldn't have made it through my first year here in Cleveland without them. They have built me up and made me a better person through their examples. I'm so grateful to have served with them. I am just so blessed.