Last night was our last night. It was little bit of everything - laughs, crying, goodbyes. The students & staff also took a collection for our adoption fund and, in the words of Joe, handed us a "big wad of cash" - $900! Very kind.
We also were flooded with lots of notes and cards - here's some highlights:
"Well, you're going to be leaving soon to start a new life for a lucky child and I just wanted to say how thankful I am that you two came into my life. You both have been there for me and my friends when we really needed someone to talk to. I love how when you both came to 707 you didn't treat us like a job or just a group of kids... you made us feel like family, and you are family for me as well. I hope that the new church you go to loves you as much as we do and that you meet all kinds of new people who will be there for you knowing that you would be there for them. - Emily"
"You were my first pastor and mentor, the first model of a Christian man. You certainly had a big impact on me... Right from the beginning when I prayed the sinner's prayer up until you baptized me and on to when I came to you for spiritual advice and help... you were always ready to be by my side when I needed but without prodding when I needed to do things on my own. - Matt"
"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." - Psalm 18:28-29 via Rhiannon
"Jon - I have loved talking to you about the many questions that have popped into my head. God has blessed you with incredible wisdom. I wanted to thank you for speaking on Crush the Crush. Thanks to you, I do not have to worry about small time love because God has called me not to date in high school. Now I can use my single years to their fullest potential. - Connie"
And an excerpt from the long letter that made me cry late last night: "Now that I've said how much you guys mean to me, it would be time to say goodbye. Somewhere in my heart I know that wherever God may take us, I hope that we will be able to stay in touch. How else am I going to ask you to marry me and Mr. Right (not a joke!)?... Anything great and good that has entered my life always links back to 707 and you both! I thank God for bringing you both into my life!! - Val"
