**Remember at the end of April, letters month, when I said that I probably would still write in letter form fairly frequently? Well, I didn’t. But here I am, finally writing another letter.**

Dear Children,

I have greatly enjoyed getting to teach you in Awana and Sunday school this year. The time I spend with you each week is by far the most enjoyable and fulfilling experience I have. I’m always especially sad to see the end of Awana, as too many of you girls will be moving up to youth group.

I want you to know that I enjoy each one of you in a different way. It may seem like I’m too tough on you (especially you kindergarteners, who can’t read and probably don’t surf the Internet), but I do it because I love you not because I hate you. When I make you mind me, it is because it is important to learn to obey authorities at an early age. When I make you listen, it is because what I’m telling you is in fact really cool and vitally important. When I force you to work with another child when you’d rather do the project on your own, it is because learning to work with others is not only biblical, it will help you in your future schooling and career.

For those girls moving up and moving on, I hope you won’t forget me. I’ve done this just long enough to enough some of you will push from your mind any remembrance of being considered a child and will think yourself too cool to acknowledge me. That makes me sad for two reasons. First, I want to be your friend. I actually enjoy having friends of different ages. You might think I befriend you as some sort of obligation, but the truth is I enjoy our friendship. Secondly, it’s hard to enter adulthood. It’s a scary thing, and the more godly role models you have around you, the more likely you will be to endure it. You might think I’m making this up, but it hasn’t been that long since I was your age. I remember the peer pressure, the emotions, and the feeling that I’m on my own and I can make my own choices. It’s vitally important that you make the right choices, but chances are you don’t yet know the world or yourself enough to know what they are. Show yourself to be of noble character by not being afraid to ask when things get tough or confusing.

Not having children of my own, I consider each and every one of you one of mine. Please wave at me, say “hi,” or chat with me about what is going on in your life. I would love that. I may no longer be your teacher or leader, but I’m still here for you as a member of the church.

In Christ,

Ronnica