Has it ever been easy to say goodbye? It seems doubtful to me. Last night was the last group service of the 2010-2011 school year and, though I will be doing it all again next year, there is something so very bittersweet about the fact that this group is coming to an end. Being on group staff requires a time commitment of about 15 hours a week. In those fifteen hours, we learn about each others' lives, study scripture, discuss theology, make music, set up the stage, wrap up the chords, tear down the stage, load up the van, unload the van and take a break for four days before we do it all again. Through frustration, joy, laughter and tears, we become a very tight-knit family. I remember at the last group service of 2010 wondering how it could possibly get better. How could a group of people ever be closer than we were? Yet somehow we were closer. I have made some of my best friends on this staff over the past two years. So, though this chapter is closing in many of these staff member's lives, it will be a joy to see how we might remain in each other's lives in years to come. Whether living together, going to each other's weddings or playing in a band together, we will continue to play a role in the story to come.
It's the little things that have meant the world this year. The small moments and words of encouragement that have given me the strength to move forward. Late nights at Wendy's, campfires and holiday crafts. Stepping back into childhood for brief moments in time as our fingers are stained by egg dye or earnestly discussing our fear of the uncertainty that lies before us as we stare into the sparkling flames. These are the moments that I will remember. Yes, I will remember the services, too, but not in the same way. The hour between 5 and 6 on Wednesday has been my favorite time of the week this year. Right in the middle of the week it was a time to rest and bask in the beauty that is this family. I will continue to remember distinctly the way I would drift in and out of thought as I would be lulled into a state of calm by Sigur Ros and the gentle laughter of my staff.
I don't really know how I'm going to be able to follow this act, but I'm certainly going to try. Brian led us this year with such confidence and eloquence, with such a strong desire simply to learn. He is humble and he is brilliant...why has he entrusted such a position to me? I thank him for the way he has poured his heart into group staff this year. I have no doubt it was his devotion that made us as close as we are now. It was his confidence in me that gave me confidence in myself to be coordinator next year. He has assured me that my life will not be the same and that I will learn more in the next year than I ever thought possible. I have no doubt that he is right.
I'm excited beyond words to work with Bob even more next year. I already spend a majority of my free hours on campus lurking in his office, but I might as well do that a little more next year. Bob is brilliant and I respect him so much. There is a certain amount of dedication that he has towards group staff that some find insane. I find it beautiful because he successfully breaks down any barriers that exist when we give him the title "advisor." He is a friend. A very dear friend (who happens to know everything there is to know and more about group).
I don't think that I have any more words that I can put to this exceptional life at the present moment. Thank you group staff, for yet another wonderful year. I love you all and I look forward to the adventures ahead.
