I can't even begin to tell you how much you changed my life.

From the moment I met you, you took me under your wing as one of your own and you essentially were like another parent to me.

You were there for my big accomplishments, like graduation and school plays, and you were there in the rough times, too, like when I suffered a personal loss.

You were a light in my darkest hours, and you helped make me into the person I am today. Without you, I don't know how I would have gotten through all of the things that I have or accomplished many of the things I've done.

You are also the reason I did things I never thought I could. You encouraged me to go out into the mission field, step out of my comfort zone, and help others who truly needed it.

You showed me how to be an example of God's love and grace, and there aren't enough words or ways in which I can thank you for that.

You pulled me back in during the times when I started to pull away, you were my shoulder to cry on, and you helped me make the best decisions for me.

When I started college, I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect, and I had heard about how people lose their way in their faith when they go off to college, but because of how much you poured into me, not only in the years and months before I left for school, but also how you poured into me once I started, I still haven't lost my faith.

No matter how many times I called you crying, you always picked up. You always talked to me about what I was facing, and you talked me through it. You prayed with me, you sang with me, and every time I said I couldn't do it, you told me I could. You never once doubted my capabilities, and you always encouraged me to keep pushing my limits.

The laughs and memories we have shared together will always be something I treasure, and I can't wait until we make many more.

I hope that I can be half the person you taught me to be, and I hope I can guide people in their faith the way you did with me.

I guess what I'm really trying to say is: thanks. Thanks for being awesome, being you, and sharing a piece of yourself with me. I'm honored to have been a part of your life, and thank you so much for being a part of mine, and for still being there for me now as I conquer adulthood to the best of my abilities.

Thank you for showing me God's love and how to love others.

I hope to see you again soon.

With all my love and best wishes,

A former youth group member attempting to be an adult