If I call loud enough...

Today was my last day at the Epiphany campus in Apache Junction. Overall, it was a great morning. I preached. We prayed. We sang. We laughed.

My most favorite part of the day?

When, after I explained that I'll be returning to school, graduating, and hopefully finding a call, one of my favorite older gentleman said,

"If I call loud enough, does that mean you'll come back?"

He was half serious. There certainly are going to be things I miss about this place.

I headed out to lunch afterward with some of my other favorite people: a few of our youth and their families. They have brought so much joy and reality into our faith life, and I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to sit down with them and catch up.

This afternoon I went to one of the retirement communities and led their worship service. They were so kind. What I like so much about them is they are not afraid to speak the truth. I wish we were all more inclined that way, even when it's difficult. They have been great teachers over these past 11 months.

Tonight, Matt and Bri continued the celebrations with me over pizza and swimming as the monsoon storms rolled in. They are so great. What a perfect way to start the beginning of my last week!

Tomorrow it's off to figure out more car issues and how to make Prickly Pear Cactus Jelly, while packing some things up at church, writing my final evaluation, and looking at the sermon texts for the next weekend.

Next Sunday night at this time, I hope to be in New Mexico.

That's the report from Arizona. I hope tomorrow it's cooler. This heat is incredible.

Peace--
HGJ