I wasn't sure if this time would actually really come, but I've been released as Young Women's President. I have felt ready, and have been in talks with the Bishop about timing, and to be honest, I'm out of my bag of tricks! It definitely feels like it is time for another to walk along side these wonderful girls. However, the time I've spent in Young Womens has surely been the time of my life!
I have to marvel at all that can happen in four years. When I was first called, Adren was only 10, in 5th grade, Eli 9 and in 4th, Paisley just ready to be baptized and in 2nd grade, and little Zeke just starting kindergarten.
They were all so little! Me being in Young Womens is all they've ever known, really!
I've had a running mental list over the years of things I felt I needed to teach the girls, class and combined activities~ joint activities with the young men that I wanted them to experience. The very last one was teaching the laurel's how to sew a simple pencil knit skirt. That ended up being my last Laurel activity, so it was perfect!
And even better, we celebrated two of my gals that turn 18 on the same day. (Amy wasn't there that night, so Courtney enjoyed the cake all by herself!)
If you could zoom in on the names I tried to write in icing, you would die!
It should say, "Courtney and Amy"
It has been so great to get to know these girls and learn with them and teach them. But what has truly been the biggest blessing is what I personally have learned and have been able to teach my family. Every meeting I attended, I was able to share something with my family that night. I feel like these years have been so vital to have almost daily gospel discussion with my own kids. What a blessing! I was often amazed at the power of being set apart in this calling and feeling guided and impressed for these specific girls at this specific time. This truly is the Lord's church and He will guide and show us what to do. I have always heard that and believed it, but experiencing it personally is a marvel to be a part of. It has been the best calling I have ever had, and I will cherish the time I served for the rest of my life.
Our Bishop is so great~ we met many times towards the end, he wanted to make sure I felt good about getting released, we talked about the youth and their needs.
I told him he is a bishop for these youth!
I appreciated how considerate he was, considering this really is more of a Lifestyle than a calling! When he told me who he had called to take my place, I knew immediately she is the best leader for these particular girls.
The day I was released was so tender for me! Anyone who has had a busy calling (that is more of a lifestyle than a calling) knows how I felt that day, I am sure. As the Bishop stood to do the releases, (emotional himself) and called my name, Paisley was sitting next to me and immediately looked up at me. I didn't want to cry, so I just looked ahead. I could feel another pair of eyes from another gal down the row. I just needed to hold it together. Paisley was so teary the rest of the meeting. I asked her if she needed to go pull herself together in the bathroom, and she said she just felt so bad for me! I told her quietly that I knew this was coming and it was ok. She felt much better after that. (She thought I was hearing it all for the first time myself!)
After sacrament meeting I chatted with a friend in front of me, as I turned around I found a group of my Laurels gathered around so emotional and I finally couldn't hold it in any longer! My girls! I told them they would forever be MY girls!
Our final YW meeting together was really great. Each member of my presidency was able to stand and bear testimony of our Savior. I told those girls if they remember anything, remember to stay on the covenant path. It will make all the difference. It will make all the difference! Those covenants have been my safety net time and time again in my life.
(P.S.~ Serious question: Am I going to have to throw 20+ showers in my future???)
My dear friend snapped this photo and texted to me that day:
I have to marvel at all that can happen in four years. When I was first called, Adren was only 10, in 5th grade, Eli 9 and in 4th, Paisley just ready to be baptized and in 2nd grade, and little Zeke just starting kindergarten.
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| They were babies! |
And now they are all so big!
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| Ha-ha to the friend who made the pic- and who has grown, too! (Little Andrew) |
It should say, "Courtney and Amy"
So many fun activities and teaching and learning moments~
and not just with the girls, but with the awesome Young Men as well!
and not just with the girls, but with the awesome Young Men as well!
Broom Hockey!
Of course, I love being with my own boys~ and Jonny. Mutual is always a fun night!
It has been so great to get to know these girls and learn with them and teach them. But what has truly been the biggest blessing is what I personally have learned and have been able to teach my family. Every meeting I attended, I was able to share something with my family that night. I feel like these years have been so vital to have almost daily gospel discussion with my own kids. What a blessing! I was often amazed at the power of being set apart in this calling and feeling guided and impressed for these specific girls at this specific time. This truly is the Lord's church and He will guide and show us what to do. I have always heard that and believed it, but experiencing it personally is a marvel to be a part of. It has been the best calling I have ever had, and I will cherish the time I served for the rest of my life.
Our annual Temple Letters!
I told him he is a bishop for these youth!
I appreciated how considerate he was, considering this really is more of a Lifestyle than a calling! When he told me who he had called to take my place, I knew immediately she is the best leader for these particular girls.
The day I was released was so tender for me! Anyone who has had a busy calling (that is more of a lifestyle than a calling) knows how I felt that day, I am sure. As the Bishop stood to do the releases, (emotional himself) and called my name, Paisley was sitting next to me and immediately looked up at me. I didn't want to cry, so I just looked ahead. I could feel another pair of eyes from another gal down the row. I just needed to hold it together. Paisley was so teary the rest of the meeting. I asked her if she needed to go pull herself together in the bathroom, and she said she just felt so bad for me! I told her quietly that I knew this was coming and it was ok. She felt much better after that. (She thought I was hearing it all for the first time myself!)
After sacrament meeting I chatted with a friend in front of me, as I turned around I found a group of my Laurels gathered around so emotional and I finally couldn't hold it in any longer! My girls! I told them they would forever be MY girls!
Our final YW meeting together was really great. Each member of my presidency was able to stand and bear testimony of our Savior. I told those girls if they remember anything, remember to stay on the covenant path. It will make all the difference. It will make all the difference! Those covenants have been my safety net time and time again in my life.
(P.S.~ Serious question: Am I going to have to throw 20+ showers in my future???)
My dear friend snapped this photo and texted to me that day:
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| Soooo much love. |