That is the Academy of the group of people that have ministered to me in big and small ways over the last couple of months/years and for all the ways that I know they will continue to support me.

To Wendi- For the ministry of dishwashing and for being the first to give financially to my cause. And for your face :)

To Jena & James- For the ministry of lasting friendship, for pursuing dreams, for opening my eyes and for paving the way to Africa

To Scott Harris- For the ministry of excitement and faith when I didn't have it for myself and for making it happen.

To Arica - For the ministry of pumpkin muffins and jewelry selling to finance the kingdom.

To Meredith- For the ministry of God's Word in my life, for honesty and boldness in all circumstances, for introducing me to Missy, and for a passion of exacted excellence in life.

To MAB- For the ministry of providing sanity, putting up with my insanity and for perspective in all circumstances.

To Kaylan- For the ministry of  unconditional love, for heart to heart story sharing and for Dolly Parton. She's all the rage...

To Jerry & RaDonna- For the ministry of spiritual parenting and prayer.

To Emily- For introducing me to missions, for the ministry of  high expectations, for four hour Skype dates, for unlimited wisdom and for courage via osmosis.

To Casey- For the ministry of insane fact-finding, angsty musical arrangements, cross-continental passions, for making me do the dang thing and for daily harrassment encouragement.

To Aaron Bryant- For the ministry of writing 12 billion pastoral recommendations, driving to Egypt and back to get coffee flavored ice cream and for shepherding my walk with great understanding and patience.

To Amy Bryant- For the ministry of the Holy Spirit by just being you, for hot dogs and brownies with ice cream, and for Russell Crowe...

To Silas & Isaiah Bryant- For the ministry of dance parties, Star Wars helmets, and Shnarky Who Pants Who

To Becky Gross- For the ministry of coffee and honesty

To Audi- For the ministry of asking "Why not?" For dreaming and discovery in our lives, for your testimony of walking hard roads, for being my forever roommate, and for P&P, Bright Star & King Arthur.

To my Momma- For the ministry of everyday phone calls and for self-sacrifice in the face of losing her husband and daughter overseas at the exact same time :)

To my Daddy- For the ministry of adventure, unlimited possibilities and for protecting my right to speak the name of Jesus anywhere and anytime I please.

To My Brother Ben- For the ministry of fixing my computer and answering really random technological questions at all hours of the night.

To My Brother Dan- For the ministry of deep thinking, long conversations, bicycles and homemade gifts.

To my Grandparents- For the ministry of leading by example from day one and for how much you love me.

To Anna Smothers- For the ministry of getting fired up for the things of God and for your example of prayer.

To Gary Howard- For the ministry of prayer, big thinking and super-duper encouragement.

To Sarah Samuel- For the ministry of prayer and teaching that brings me to tears on a weekly basis.


And to many many more... But since they are playing that music over my speech now, I gotta go! Love to you all...

2 comments

1. Emily on January 7, 2011 at 7:23 PM

   I'm gonna keep ya til we're old and gray and rockin' on our front porches sippin' sweet tea.

    
2. Kaylan on January 8, 2011 at 6:19 AM

   I'm speechless...of course. I'll unconditionally love ya always, sister.