The past three months spent in Tyler, Texas at the one and only Pine Cove Ranch were probably some of the hardest and best three months of my life. I got to be with awesome people. sing every day and worship our Creator in the most intimate way surrounded by close friends doing the same. There truly is nothing like working at Pine Cove. And there is no other way to describe it other than saying it was the best and hardest summer I've had. I could go on and on and on about how wonderful it was and all the things I learned but I honestly don't have the time, near enough caffeine for this hour, or your interest for that long :) For your sake, I'll keep it short. It is so bittersweet to go. I am unbelieveably excited for this adventure I get to go on, incredibly grateful for parents who love me, support me, and encourage me to do things like this, and of course sad to leave behind such good friends that I have made the past three months at camp and two years at school.
I have a few special shout outs to people who have gone above and for me in this process:
Shelby Stone
My love. You have been, most importantly, such a faithful friend since day one that I met you freshman year in high school. And I have been grateful for you ever since. Thanks to your own study abroad this past spring semester, I get to take advantage of your knowledge, tips, advice, and cool backpack! Thank you friend for your excitement for me, your willingness to give me advice, and your ability to understand how much this means to me.
Katelyn Clemens
My little dragonfly. You, my friend, I have known since sixth grade. The giggle twins! I will never forget that. And never forget spilling my dr. pepper on you. You also were my guinea pig ever since your exchange trip to Germany when you were only 17. I was shocked when you did that and admired you so much for that decision. I'm so glad that you have been home these past four days to walk me through what to bring and what not to bring during the terrible thing called packing. What would I have done without you? What would Stacy do without you?? :)
Carrie Jussely
Even though you have been in Cambodia for the past year, you have been so influential in my decision to go abroad for a year. Seeing your tumblr posts and instagram photos and just hearing about your heart for foreign missions before you even went really spurred in me, my own desires to travel abroad. Though it was something I always desired to do, watching you take a step of faith and trust in the Lord's provision for you as you embarked on a 2 year journey has been so encouraging and inspiring to see. Thank you for pouring into me all four years of high school and reminding me of who I am and why I live on this earth.
and finally...
The Parentals
Stacy Wharton and Warren Pretlow. Where would I be if it wasn't for your support and encouragement? I am truly blessed to have parents that are so excited to see me pursue my dreams and so willing to support me all the way through. Not many parents are as eager to watch their children possibly give their life away to music or even leave America for an extended amount of time! But you have done both and more. I am thankful beyond words for all you have done for me even when I didn't appreciate it or want it. Thank you for believing me and trusting me, and most of all, trusting God to take care of me every step of the way.
So with those parting words, I will end this first post and wrap up my packing and embark on a journey that I know will be life changing.
His love never fails.
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