still excited

*Names have been changed for the protection of students

As a high school Young Life leader, I have had numerous opportunities over the past few years to meet with kids and cultivate relationships with them. Last year I was lucky enough to meet two guys named Beau and Calvin while helping out in a weightlifting class at their school. Since then, we had gone out for food and texted back and forth a couple of times. Unfortunately, through a busy second semester of school, we lost contact and had not been able to see them at all. I went into the summer feeling like I could have done a better job reaching out and wished I had. 

This summer, I was able to go to Clearwater Cove in Missouri with some other boys from my school. After a great week, we had a long bus ride home where I was able to think about what could be different this upcoming year. Beau and Calvin immediately came to mind. So while sitting on the bus, I shot them a text and put my phone down to take a nap, figuring they wouldn’t respond for a day or two or maybe not at all. Only a few minutes later, I checked my phone and they had both responded with excitement about their summers, their upcoming senior year, and wanting to hang out as soon as I got back to town. 

Since getting back, we have gotten to share meals, play pickleball together, and I’ve been lucky enough to meet some more of their friends. Beau and Calvin still share the same excitement that was felt over the phone in July and have welcomed me back with open arms. It is already apparent to see how the Lord has been working in these boys, and I’m anxious to see what our relationships with each other and God will look like in the next year.

— Teddy Schurman, Dexter High School Leader