Just callin’ to tell you how much I love you, and how much I’m going to miss you these next fews months. You’re just the bomb diggity, my friend, it won’t be the same if you’re not around. I know you’re going to have a blast at college, and make lots of friends. Try to think of me at least, oh I don’t know, once a week or so. Just so I know you care. Good luck with your classes, and I want to hear that you kicked some major Tai Chi butt! *hooah*

But seriously, I am going to miss you. Like the flower misses the sun. Like a hot dog misses ketchup. Like a nose misses a booger. Kayla, you are my sun ketchup booger. I wrote you a poem to share just how much you mean to me:

Polka dots and gerbera daisies,
Ska can make you dance like crazy,
But not as cool as Patrick Swayze,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Chocolate covered coffee beans,
You’re not calm by any means,
You wouldn’t make it in the Marines,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Zucchini, alfalfa, Who’s Line is it Anyway?
You’re quick to put your thumbs up so you don’t have to pray,
And liking rainbows does NOT mean you’re gay
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Running barefoot through the snow,
Mocking Bernie, “Eh, don’tcha know?”
Busy, non-stop, go, go, go
Kayla Nelson, I love you

Romania and New Year’s Eve,
Because of book club you’re not so naive,
I’m really sad you had to leave,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Pill pooper, fudge muffins, FYI
We’re going to Vermont, and you know why
T-women forever, until we die
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Alas, there will be no Claudia Black on this week’s Stargate SG:1. She’s a truly talented actress, and I really enjoyed what she brought to the show. She will be missed. Not that I’m complaining, mind you…
I still get to enjoy Ben Browder and Michael Shanks on the same screen

It’s up to the writers now to prove whether or not they’ve completely lost the knack for character development. I don’t know if I can ever get used to SG:1-sans-Jack, but still, it will be nice to see the character of Sam develop without that darn urst (I never was a big fan of Sam/Jack ship, so sue me…)

And with the past six weeks focusing on the the delightfully naughty, yet short-lived character of Vala, the newest commander of the SGC’s flagship team has barely been a footnote. I’m sure that to know him is to love him, I just wish the writers would give us a chance.

This is it.

My last night at youth group.

It’s bittersweet, really. It was my choice to leave, and I know it’s the right decision. I’m growing up, I’m moving on.

But of course, I’ll miss the kids. I’ll miss the comradre of the A-Team. I’ll still miss retreats, and conventions, and yes, even the meetings.

Thank you, God, for the time you gave me in the youth group. Thank you for the blessing it was. I pray for the continued growth of the youth ministry, and that they will be ever mindful of their purpose: drawing teens to you. I pray that every student will have the opportunity for growth and for friendship that I did. Thank you.