Go Out into All the World

 Hey Jesse, 

You are the only one who reads this so I wanted to give you a personal goodbye here. Thank-you so much for caring for us throughout this year, and for randomly adding blog posts that we can look back on and keep as a keepsake forever. I know I never keep to the word limits, and I don't expect this one to be an exception, so buckle down and we'll go for one last ride! I love you so much and really the fun, wisdom and care you bring to our class! I will really treasure memories of our chats, hangouts and getting to sleep together on the Kayak trip! Imagine that! Being in a tent group with students... You have done an incredible job leading us this year. I can't wait to visit in Coaldale and meet "your friend from Ywam." Love you to bits! - Kaylee Johnson

For the rest of you out there (who don't actually exist), I have exactly 18 days left of my Kaleo experience, so this will be my last blog post.

Throughout Kaleo I have learned so much about living in community with other believers. Understanding our call as the people of God, the Church to love each other sacrificially with our whole being and to make disciples of all nations. The church is called to a holistic modelling of Christ in every aspect of their life, and I've been privileged to see this lived out around me this last year. Even though COVID-19 threw a wrench in my plans for New Zealand, God placed me exactly where he wanted me for the things he was going to teach me. This last year, being the church has looked like small sacrifices for my classmates, and reaping the return of others using their gifts as well. Like the song from "Prince of Egypt" where Zipporah and her father are explaining to Moses that he is a thread in a tapestry, I've begun to see that tapestry unfold. 

After I leave Kaleo, I will take with me a deeper appreciation for the Unity that the church is called to. Paul commands and reenforces the idea that the church is called to be unified, all through his letters, just as Jesus prayed in John 17. This year of stretching my theological stances, questioning and rebuilding my foundations and learning how to love others well has prepared me to go out and do so with others. I may never have this kind of community again, but I will be expected to give the same love in every interaction in my life.

Another aspect of the Church's call is to make disciples. I may not have the gift of evangelism, but the call to make disciples is still my commission. As I go back into the normal world, interacting with non-believers on a regular basis, I hope that my foundation this year will encourage me to have those tough conversations in a thoughtful considerate manner. To engage the culture around me, and to offer others the hope that I have found.

Because this is my last blog post, I'd like to give a little shout out to all my Kaleo pals who will never read this, but if they do, will hopefully be blessed by it.

THE GIRLS: THE IMPORTANT HALF OF THE CLASS...

Eden - I've never made such a close friend so fast. I really appreciate your honesty, hard work, vulnerability, love, energy, passion, joy and thoughtfulness. Agave Nectar Pal extrordinare. We've had so many fun experiences! Thank-you for showing me all your special spots, and letting me sit in your windowsill and visit and taking me for drives. I love hanging out with you, and watching your excitement for blessing others. Your gift of encouragement brightens the day of everyone around you. You are the kind of friend that I will appreciate for the rest of my life! I pray that God would continue to guide you and bring you joy in Him first and the rest of life second. I can't wait to have a road trip with you, and for you to meet my family. (also really hoping you'll still come up for a bit in the summer)! I know we weren't in the same mini-group at the beginning of the year, but I hope we are able to treasure every moment for the rest of the year. Thank-you so much for the times you've dropped everything to come and pray with me when I was struggling, and for being my accountability partner the week of the caving trip. I loved the feeling of having a friend who I could choose to love and who loved me in return. Thank-you so much for your kind gift to all the directors, it was so much fun being a part of some of the gifts you give others and I am so honoured by that blessing. Thank-you for your trust and respect, for accepting my gifts and being grateful for each one. I admire your dedication to those you love and your I don't know when exactly we began to become each other's super close friends and confidants, but I wouldn't take back this time for the world. Kaleo became a haven for me because of my friendship with you. Also thank-you for being another girl to play mini-sticks with!

Zoe - Zoe Lovely Lendvay... I'm sorry it took so long to reach out. I have really enjoyed doing church and youth group with you! I really admire how you've reached out to Marina and Simone. Your heart for God, wisdom, honesty and vulnerability are beautiful. Agave Nectar for the win! Do you remember that one in person jr. high night when we were whacking each other with noodles? Thank-you for your bracelet dates, and letting me talk to you about boys and other such nonsense! Thank-you for your trust and respect, for accepting my gifts and being grateful for each one. I really love your gifts and thoughtful words of encouragement. I love being able to share in your journey, even though I feel like I am just scratching the surface! I admire your discipline and work ethic as well as your creativity! It was so much fun being able to visit Rachel and Michael with you, even if you did get to meet them first...  I really enjoyed all our times both 'studying' and studying together. Thank-you for helping me brainstorm my super secret project and for you jumping on my ideas! I think you were the first person I private messaged over zoom, and I love sharing notes in class. I am thankful we have been able to bounce thoughts and advice off each other this semester. Also you have a beautiful voice ;). One of my favourite texts from you is "love from the heresy pig." That was so random! Can't wait to see how we'll connect after Kaleo!

Jessica - Your caring heart is so beautiful. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and engagement with others especially when you know they are feeling down. You are a friend I will treasure for the rest of my life! I love all our walks and chats, and just any time I've spent with you is so life giving. Hammocking with you and Eden was such a blast! I love our chances to pray with each other and how encouraging you are to me! Thank-you for sharing your struggles with me and for checking up on me when I feel down! ItYour love for those around you is something that is so evident and beautiful. Also I love hearing about your friends, your love of science and all the things God is teaching you even through your struggles! You are incredible! Can't wait to see you in Lethbridge if all goes according to plan!

Emma - I admire you so much more than I have words to tell. You are courageous and beautiful. I've really enjoyed studying with you, hanging out with you and our awkward interactions where we just nod at each other without words. You officially have record of some of the most embarrassing words to ever come out of my mouth. Also that night we named your cow was so much fun. Maybe I'll give one of my kid's the middle name Milo just so I can remember you! Also I was so impressed you convinced Nolan to wear a blues hat, that takes a special talent...

Gabby - You have a joyful spirit and a beautiful heart. It has been such a blessing getting to know you. Please stop concussing yourself, and let us take care of you a little. You have 24 people here who love you deeply, and I'm so blessed to have you as part of my Kaleo family. I really loved going on a booster juice run and a cheese cake date! You have a beautiful voice and it is incredible to watch you honour God through your music. Your skill and passion with the OT film was something super special and I was so glad I got to be a part of that! Thank-you so much for walking, talking and praying with me. I really appreciated being your prayer partner over the mission trip.

Janae - you are so much fun to be around! I admire your grit and wit. You have an amazing perseverance and resilience through the craziness of life and I am incredibly honoured to have spent this year with you! I'm so thankful for our chat on the ski trip and that we actually were able to go for that hike the other day. I really enjoyed sharing a room for the Ski trip! I'm so glad we were able to finally go for our church drive, and that you came, even though you don't like drives. Sorry we got back so late, I guess the J in my personality didn't outweigh my love of fellowship this time...

Ashten - you have such a passion, and like you explained in our Sid Koop presentations, you are committed to excellence in every way. It is so inspiring to hear of your love for God even as you have wrestled a lot through the implications of some of the things we have learned this year. I really loved sharing a room over the Ski Trip! Those late night and hot tub conversations were so much fun CVYN was incredible. Plus your love for your family is so beautiful. I loved being a part of the Miller family for the game night! I hope I eventually respect my own daughter (if I ever get married or have kids) as much as I respect you!

Olivia - you are so incredibly sweet and always make me smile. Just as I'm right now hearing you talk about you and your mom possibly getting matching dove tattoos. You remind me of a couple things, one a sunflower, just because they are yellow, pretty and happy. The other is my cousin Sophia, who I love very very much, and if she grows into a young woman who continues to resemble you in any fashion not only will she be gorgeous but an amazing woman of God. Working on the OT film together was so much fun! I love how perfectly we worked together, you staying up til two and me waking up at four... I just wish we could have overlapped more in our jobs. Thank-you for caring for me that time I was struggling with extreme discouragement over that perfectly tasteful prank...

Kat - I know everyone already tells you this, but I love your laugh. You can make me smile from the other side of PWL, even as you are trying to stifle it ;). You made an incredible Sarah in the OT film, and you have such a beautiful flair. I love your caring heart and I'm so thankful for the friendship you've formed with Charlotte and Emma. You are such a vibrant person and carry joy with you everywhere you go. I really am thankful for how much you and Charlotte and Kathleen as a group contribute to the joy of Kaleo. 

Charlotte - My incredible roommate. I know we've had some turmoil in our relationship, (still not sure if you actually want to be roommates with all your leaving ;)), but I couldn't ask for a better roommate. Your caring heart and joyful spirit are incredibly inspiring. I'm praying that you are able to take care of yourself, and allow others to too. We love you so so deeply. Thank-you for the effort you put into all your relationships and I'm so glad we got to put in the same room, Sid Koop project and the 'same' church group, even if you were one of Alycia's favourite and therefore in the other house church and age group. You have a natural flair that I really admire, and are able to draw other in and make them feel cared for. Thanks for putting up with all my random giggle fits!

Isabella - My Sweet. I know Ashten's your sweet, but I figured just this once I could use that pet name for you. You have been my roommate throughout the whole year. Thank-you for helping me navigate my concerns for Charlotte and for praying with me whenever I need it. I really admire the way you've connected with the girls from your youth group, and how you are intentional with your sleep, health, homework and relationships.  You have gone through a whirlwind this year, learned and applied so much! Your readiness to learn, and intention with seeking help in understanding is something I really admire. I love hearing about your family and how much you love your sea-star. Praying that God blesses you this next year.

THE BOYS: THE OTHER HALF...

Alright now that I've given messages to the Gals, I guess I should probably not exclude the guys... Even though you guys still haven't let me into the Mini-sticks group chat... I guess it really is as Dawson says "bros before gals." So in my case, don't expect much, because it's gals before guys.

Nolan - I used to think you valued our friendship, before you changed the mini-stick group chat name to "twine ticklers: boys only."

Patrick - 6 words "twine ticklers: boys only, no girls."

Greg: "Twine ticklers: boys only, no girls, except Patty, he can stay."

Greg, Dave, Dawson: you boys are gentlemen.

But on a serious note:

Thomas - everyone always tells you that you are wise beyond your years, but I'm going to tell you again. I really really value our friendship, your kindness, compassion, seriousness, wisdom and teasing (not completely in that order). One of my favourite Kaleo memories will always be singing hymns over your shoulder on the surf trip. I know I'm not great at singing, but you never mentioned it once, that is true kindness. I'm sorry if any of my comments cut deeper than they were intended. I just wanted to retort, so you know, that I have to dress up because unlike you who "prefer to let my words talk for themselves," I don't have the strength of presence or respect that you garner wherever you go. Also you are genuinely fun to hang out with too. Thank-you for all the times you've dropped everything to play chess with me! Or dropped everything to go for a walk with me. I love our non-verbal eye-contact that says "Are you ok?" Can't wait to be your kayak partner on Tuesday. 

Elijah - You were one of first people I met at Kaleo, and I was struck by your kindness. I was completely out of my element, a little scared, a lot nervous and had no idea what I was supposed to do, but you put me at ease right away. Do you remember those gummy bears? They were really good! I can't remember what all we talked about in that hour and a half long period when we waited for Colburn and Julia, but I do remember feeling very safe and like I had made a couple really good friends!

Dawson - We should probably skip you, because there is no way I can put anything down that will do it justice. You are genuinely one of the sweetest guys I've ever met! I love all your engine analogies, and random walks we take. You are such a joy, and I love your commitment to others. You have an incredible depth, both of knowledge and love. If you marry a jerk we will have strong words, and I better be invited to your wedding. You are always down for chaotic fun, and I know who to ask when I want a crowd to go swimming. Anyways, I know you will probably be in Ontario for a long time, but if you ever come up to visit Joah, (which you should) stop in Whitehorse on the way by, and we can have some really fun adventures!

Jon - you have such a caring heart! Thank-you for all your prayers throughout the year, and for listening to me when I'm on the verge of crying. You were the best Kayak partner I've ever had (I can say that because we haven't gone on our day kayak trip yet)...Thanks for teaching me how to scream as stress relief (OT film week) and for not belittling my insecurity in music. 

Ari - you are super sweet. I love you so much and I'm so sorry you are always sick. Thank-you for playing chess with me, and for asking me to the dance. Also, I don't know if you remember working on that Eglon scene for the OT film, but I found that incredibly awkward. You took me on the first date I've ever had, and were the first boy to buy me chocolate, I will treasure our friendship forever.

Patrick - Besides the fact you're a jets fan, and we've spent as many hours arguing as talking, you're an actually decent guy. It has been so cool to be a part of your journey listen to what God has been teaching you and growing you in over the last year. Thanks for sitting with me when I cry even though it's awkward.

Greg - You are a legend and you deserve it. Beyond the class meme you are an actually incredible guy. I've really valued our chats, raking leaves together, playing chess, cleaning Becca's basement, driving you to church, and a shared experience I can't post because we haven't shared it yet. Your integrity is admirable (that you would advise me to cheer for an opposing team because you don't want me to be made fun of). I thouroughly enjoy your creative insults, "you are the worst kind of human ever" etc. Thank-you for everything, especially for defending the proper ROOK rules ;).

Ethan - I knew that when our friendship began on the foundation of ROOK that it would have to grow from there. You are a really considerate guy, and although you are Alycia's favourite, and in the other house church I have really enjoyed watching you grow this year. Your editing on the OT film, our random chats, and ROOK games are something I'll always treasure. I really loved taking pictures to send home of Joah and Ethan playing with me. You are also an incredible skier and boarder.

Oliver - You could be considered a gentleman. Thank-you for always lending us mini-sticks so we could play with the boys. I know it's random, but I appreciated crumbling the meat with you for the Valentines' meals. I hope you feel free to blame your driving on me when I egg you on to go as fast as you can. Oliver, I know because I'm not Olivia, I haven't had many chances to hang out with you, but I enjoy roasting you all the same ;).

JoJo - (Aka JAT, and Joah). You have grown so much this year it is incredible! I'm so thankful that you came with me to Kaleo this year. I know it hasn't been easy, and I haven't been the friend I've wanted to be, but I think we've come a long way from me banging a cup onto your head. When you did E.S. and came into town for youth group and Revelation study it was such a blessing. Writing the Prophets' news anchor for the OT film was so fun, and making that stupid brochure/ bulletin for S.A.L.T. We've had some pretty Chaotic times, serious drives, chats and everything in between. I love you so so much. You are a really sweet, thoughtful guy, and thank-you for the effort you put into everything. I know the academics have been a huge burden on you, but I'm praying that this summer will be a beautiful rejuvenation. I would still really like it if there was a possibility that you come on the road trip with me.... Glad you get to go on church drives all the time, and I really enjoyed our Christmas travels together, even if we were 4 hours late to whitehorse because we had to switch gates three times and planes once... (I also loved thrifting with you, and handing out flyers for Love Crofton)! Our drive back was incredible, and I really enjoyed counting Bison and reading the Lost letters of Pergammum. I still smile at that picture of you sticking your tongue out over my shoulder on the hiking trip.

Luke - besides sharing the best possible last name, I wasn't sure if we'd ever overcome our differing opinions on ROOK rules ;). Actually, I figured what Brian eventually put into words that "my need to be right is less important than our need to be one." Too bad you haven't figured that out yet ;). I know I've never told you this, but something that really impacted me was that day during the OT week when you walked by, patted me on the back and said "you are doing great job." You've given me other encouragement over the past year and I really appreciate it. Your encouragement when I was acting as the servant was great, and I've enjoyed pretending to be an old married couple on various occasions. Your honesty is refreshing. Thanks for doing random errands for me and delivering random gifts. 

Dave - (David Tilroe) Glassford House Church Guy. I'm so glad we finally found a church family that we could call home together as the four of us. I - like I told Dawson, you are one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. If you marry a jerk, again, like I told Dawson, I will hunt you down. You are so encouraging, and I've never told you, but that devo you did on the missions trip was really impactful for me. I know there was a lot of chaos afterward, and the message may have felt like it was lost in the sorrow of everything else, but I still remember thinking on it afterwards the next day. You have such a fun flair and it has been an incredible honour getting to know you this past year. Dave you are so incredible. I love listening to you talk about your family, media, theatre, drama, lessons God has been teaching, hearing about your inclusio and things you care about. I could go on and on. We have so many stories, and especially about the two weeks that were probably the craziest of either of our lives. Between scheduling, filming, editing, acting, and meetings we also did caving, pre-course assignments and the youth clue night. You have such a passion about film that is so cool to watch. Thank-you for putting so much effort into all you do, including the various videos I may or may not have binged with my family. My little brothers especially loved the surf/kayak video by the way.... Also prime relationship advice "Why stalk when you can openly ask..." so I'll send you the link

Nolan - I'd love to pretend that I could just leave that sentence up at the beginning and leave it. Fortunately for me, there are quite a few more sentences that describe our relationship. "Do you still have my knife?" "Sleep is overrated." "I really appreciate your friendship," "Wait, did we just spend two hours looking at my photos?" "Kaylee, you'll have to be ok if it doesn't go according to the schedule." The amount of times you texted me over OT weeks that you were "surviving" did "not instil confidence..." You know a friendship is truly valuable when as soon as you type 'Thank-you' the next suggestions are 'so much' and 'Nolan'... Like I've told others, I really don't have room on this blog post to do anything justice, but in this case, because you can't respond, I'll see if I can get the main points across (I'm not going to try and repeat the experience we had on the Ski trip when you avoided my encouragement). You are one of the most selfless people I know. The week of Love Crofton, was the week we found out we were directors for the OT film. You also started that weed-whacker at least 100 times. I know we've gone back and forth on this numerous times, but I really admire and appreciate all the work you put into the film. On top of filming, acting and editing, you waking up early to help me schedule realistically was so valuable. I really appreciate our many walks, games of chess and ROOK. I love hearing little stories about your family, old dirt bike, Haiti, Sabc, and things you enjoy. I still can't believe Nadab broke your speaker. Also, I would really like to drive your truck still....

With that in mind, I think I will conclude my final post, I am utterly exhausted from finishing my last official day of class yesterday, and playing the piano for the first time since Kaleo started.

Published April 1, 11:05, this is when I tell you guys that all those nice things I said about you were an April fools joke....