Assignment 15 - Stephanie Bailey

Youth group at Centenary United Methodist Church has taught me so much about myself as a person and the people who have made it great have made a huge impression on me. When I first started attending this youth group in sixth grade, I was shy and had no confidence in myself or my faith. I had a few friends that went with me but not one that I was really close to. I quickly became close with Kathleen Gibbs and she became my main friend and reason that I went every Sunday night. I went through confirmation in seventh grade which strengthened my faith and confidence immensely. Unfortunately, as soon as I started to get comfortable with everyone there, the two youth pastors announced they were both leaving. The new pastor came in the first day with a man bun and a gorgeous blonde wife. I had no idea what to expect but four years later, I am best friends with the pastor's wife and am helping them both get their new therapeutic riding program on its feet. I will forever cherish the confidence, love, encouragement, self-growth, and amazing friends that I have gained through this blessing in disguise.