Paaartaaaay!

Yesterday marked the end of classes for the students, so we celebrated with an "Elementary School" themed end of the year party. The sky was the limit on costumes - we had a janitor and a lunch lady; a girl in dress-up clothes; lots of mismatched clothing with pigtails; and several random cartoon characters from our youth. Now, I use the word "our" very loosely, because, as it turns out, I'm five years older than our freshmen, and five years is enough difference that I remember watching different cartoons than many of them. Nothing like collegiate ministry to make a 23-year-old feel old!

Anyway, here's a recap of the night in pictures:Amy, Ariel and I decided to dress up like three Care Bears; Share Bear, Harmony Bear and Secret Bear, respectively. You'll see on my tummy, that I have a heart-shaped padlock, because Secret Bear is trustworthy. She says, "The secret to friendship is trust!" We had great fun making our shirts, and even won fourth place in the costume contest!

Jason dressed up as the school janitor. It was classic!

Our party organizers - Cori, Steven and Dustin - performed a choreographed dance for us to start off the night. They did an awesome job planning, and the dance was off the hook. (You didn't know I could talk like that, did you? It turns out there might be a little ghetto underneath this white-girl-mathematician exterior. A very little, but a little nonetheless. :) )

We spent part of the evening roasting our seniors and other out-going students. Often including a funny story about the senior in question, someone shares a little bit about their friend and what they appreciate about them. It's a small way to honor them as they leave our ministry. Above, Jared Grinney is honoring Dan Devine. Below, Bryce is honoring Hannah before handing the mic over to Lori to do the same. Hannah is leaving staff next year, so this was her last official student party as a staff member. It's hard to think that she won't be a part of our team next year. So hard, I don't want to think about it just yet!

What would a U of A Navs party be without dancing? There was plenty of it last night, and the party didn't really die until the music was turned off.

Note DJ Smoosh in the background, keeping the music going all night long.

I got to reconnect with some friends I haven't seen much since I was in bible study with them my senior year.Steven, Dan, Nate, Rachel, Dave and I were in an off-campus bible study two years ago. It was a great study, and we really bonded as a group. Unfortunately, due to very differing schedules, it's not often that we get to hang out. Now, Dan, Nate, Rachel and Dave are graduating and heading in different directions. Dan is applying to go to the Philippines with the Navigators, Nate and Rachel are getting married this summer and will be staying in Tucson (yay!) for Nate to go to graduate school. Dave is going to be a full-time collegiate soccer coach. Steven is joining us on staff next year, and will be doing EDGE Corps with Dustin. It's crazy to me how we grow up and scatter. I'm so grateful to be living in a time and place where communication over long distances is easy.

One last picture from last night, just because it's precious. Madeleine Barbieri has a joy and enthusiasm for life that just makes you want to smile.