"There's no knowing where you might be swept off to..."

Almost five years ago we were nearing the end of a countdown to the beginning of something special. “I kept dreaming of a world I thought I’d never see.” It was about to happen, but it was so unclear what it would be.

Almost five years ago, we all began this incredible story of what Kaleo 6 would become. You could say it even began before that first day in September so long ago, through prayers, blog posts, and connections made in other ways...five years. 

Five years from our first days, and still God sees fit to bring us back together. Reunited, with constant additions to this family, and still able to pick up where things left off. 

The wedding of Eric and Jessie this weekend was not only magical in and of itself, but the coming together of so many of us struck something significant. During our always-too-short time together, but always so cherished, not a single one who was unable to make it was left out of our conversations and reminiscing. Yes, Kaleo 6 had its hard times. But there was something, some gift given to us that year. I am at a loss in trying to do justice to the community we became. I don’t know about all of you, but several of us agree that it is not one that has ever been duplicated. I can not express how thankful and blessed I feel to be part of it. Seeing so many, some I have not seen since our final days on the Island, and Jimbad, hearing your words through the letter Malayne read, brought back memories I forgot I even had.  

In many ways, Kaleo was the beginning of a self-discovery for me, and seeing you all reminds me so much of that path. It would be enough for me to have the joy of simply sitting and soaking in the time spent with each one of you when we are together. Take it a step further to reflecting on shared experiences, sitting, laughing, playing games, sharing meals together, it all reminds me of the hopefulness that comes from being part of the Body of Christ. 

It is thrilling to see where so many have gone, and I look forward to future days of reuniting with even more of you! 

This is not meant to be an update post, but a reminder to all of you, as I was reminded this weekend, of the community we have with one another, under the One who managed to orchestrate our being together for 8 months, five years ago. Whether or not we all hear from everyone, a few, or only one of the others from time to time, every one of you are remembered, loved, prayed for, and treasured. 

Eric and Jessie, it was an incredible celebration of the two of you, and a gift to be there for it. 

Amelia and Nathan, Jon and Emma, Tom and Alyssa, Jayme and James, Malayne and Matt, Aaron and Tamara, Shannon and Jon and your beautiful family, Deborah and Stephen, Jake and Maisie, Jen and Jordan Kristy and Josh, Leila, Alivia, Kylie, Jordana, Brandon, Jeremiah, Erin, Daneille, Daniel, Josh, Ben, Ryan, Phil, Paul, Kristie, Jim and Sarah, and so many more names to come, Thank you. 

Thank you for the lessons, for the strengths, for the challenges, for the areas of honest weakness opened up to allow for growth. Thank you for the ways you have allowed God to move in and through you, and for the people you have allowed Him to mold you into. I love you all so much and would be remiss if I never took the time to say it. Keep dreaming, even if its of a world, space, or time you think you will never see. Be wonder-filled. Heaven will be a truly wonder-full thing to behold if for no other reason than the company we will keep...