As I write this blog I am overcome with emotions. Ever since I graduated and moved out of the dorm I have had very few days of boredom. I have kept myself busy with friends, family and ministry. Its been a great few weeks. These last few days have been especially meaningful.
Last Wednesday was my last RIOT. It was goodbye night. That was the last RIOT for seniors, myself and some other leaders. I am so blessed to have been at Morning Star this year. I am reminded how God brought me to that church. Being an RA my junior year one of my residents asked me to go to the college group at Morning Star. Soon I was going every week. I got close to the Pastors quickly. The College ministry is run by the high school pastor, the middle pastor and a teaching/worship pastor. What a blessing that was! Towards the end of the year the high school Pastor Jared asked me if I would intern for him. I took a couple months to pray about it. That was a hard decision to make for sure! But so glad I did, I was trained, stretched, loved, needed, molded and used.
That Thursday I was able to go out to dinner with a dear friend of mine. That was some sweet time of just being able to hang out. I love friends. That night I drove to my friend's house who I am actually friends with the whole family. I stayed there for two nights. It was great being able to just relax sit by the fire and spend time with a family I love.
I left their house on Saturday drove straight to church for my last Saturday service. Right after that drove up to St. Paul for a farewell bonfire at my best friends house. Lots of old friends showed up. It was good seeing them. Ended staying out with them until like two in the morning. Gosh I love nights like that.
Drove back home then slept for not much time. Went and meet a very good friend for coffee. We have gone to school together and were able to just encourage and lift each other up. We talked ministry, life, love, and Jesus. Thankful for his friendship.
After that I drove to my last Sunrise (Sunday school) and officially gave the reigns over to my replacement. I am so excited he is actually the guy who led the mission trip. SO a lot of my guys know and love him. He has been hanging out for the last month. It is a blessing to see him step in and I know they are going to go far together.
That afternoon I drove up to my home town to hang with two of my best buds. Love them both! Stayed there for about a day slept there and just chilled. It was a goodbye of sorts. So good just to hang out and see there new place. Going to miss them.
That brings us to tonight. I am so blessed. A friend of mined decided that I had to have a going away party and offered up here house. So many people came. Friends, family, students, ministry partners, everyone! I love them all so so so much! Got emotional a couple times. Hard to say goodbye. I think it all feels surreal. But it feels good to know I am loved. This is my official thank you to those who came to the party. So thanks for coming it was a great time and great to see you all stay in touch! Those who didn't I understand. It was a huge blessing for sure!
Love,
Dan
Stay in touch everyone!
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Dan, we are all extremely blessed to know you. To see your heart for ministry and the kids is amazing. To see you following the path that the Lord and set out for you is awesome! Thank you for your friendship, for making this past year working with Riot so much fun, and for blessing us with your humor, compassion, and friendship. We will be praying for you as you go off and continue the work that God has called you to!
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie! It has been awesome getting to know you both. You say everything I said to Jim on facebook so look there lol. But really thanks for your support and friendship this year. Made it way easier for sure!
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