"This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Winston Churchill

Well... Like everyone's said... This is the last one. The last blog.

Honestly, like everyone's said, this leaving is so incredibly bittersweet. Everyone misses home. Everyone gets into drama. But, at the end of the day, I'd be more than happy to stay for another 2 weeks... And another 2 weeks...

The bonds I've created on this trip will forever play a huge part in my life. I've made some amazing new friends, and strengthened some older ones. The youth here will be a forever reminder that we do in fact have friends around the world. And the SHYCer's have been through something so incredible. This group will never be the same again. This group will never be in the same situation as we are now. This feeling can and never will be re-created.

And that statement is so incredibly meaningful. This can only happen once. I don't know if it's quite hit us all yet.

I don't think it's technically hit any of us that this is the only time that this group of people will be doing this group of things with this group of feelings. This is special. And when we're all sitting in our beds this time tomorrow night, I honestly believe that this trip will play-back in our minds like a movie montage. That we'll see all the smiling faces and beautiful places that we've shared together. And we will know that these people will all be doing the same thing. That this memory for you will forever be a memory for everyone else as well.

Being a senior member of the SHYC, I know I'm feeling it really difficultly. This is the last time I'll be around these people, in this environment. I choose to not continue, as I've already cried too much on this matter. But, SHYC has been the stability in my world of craziness, and the people are what made it that. And I thank each and everyone of you for making SHYC what it is, because I'm not joking when I say it wouldn't have been the same without you. I love each and every one of you with my entire heart. If you'd like to hear Cryfest 09, stick around me tomorrow, you'll hear enough of it, I'm sure. :]

We journey back tomorrow. To a familiar place. To a place were we cannot simply surround ourselves with these Christians that push us to lead this life according to God. We go back to a place that we need to challenge ourselves to live. We go back to a place that life isn't going to be easy--that life isn't going to be simple and full of an itinerary full of good influences.

So that's my challenge for myself. Everyone else is free to join in as well... I want to go back to where I came from with memories under my belt and experiences to fill my brain with. I challenge myself to live a "Jesus Way of Life."

And I know it's not going to be easy. But, I do know that I have a group of people here that have been through the same thing. I challenge this knowing that I have a support system for when I fall. A safety net to catch me free-falling towards rock bottom.

And that feeling is the best one can have. Love.

But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.
1st Corinthians 13:13

Northern Ireland; Deuces, baby!

Katelyn Nutter