Dear Secret Encourager,

When we were asked at the beginning of the term if we wanted to put our name in the hat and have a secret encourager, I was a little apprehensive. I wasn’t sure I wanted the pressure of getting things for someone else, but I did know I wanted someone praying for me and encouraging me. So I said yes- what I didn’t know was that I was saying yes to being prayed for by you.

I am so thankful for all the sweet notes and reminders that you were lifting me up in prayer. I didn’t know it, but your son is in my fourth period. You sent little goodies class with him, which he pawned off of his peers to hand to me. I’m sure he took great joy and delight watching me giggle with glee when I was handed a chocolate bar at the beginning of class.

I am so thankful for the thoughtfulness in all your small (or big) gifts. How did you know that I LOVE nail polish, and that I left half of my stash at home? Three colors AND a bottle of remover? I felt so loved. I’d never heard of an ‘awesome’ bar- but your punny note lifted my heart as I ate the Kenyan version of a kit-kat. All term I’ve been smiling and looking forward becoming your friend in real life.

I’m so thankful for the reminders you gave me, in your thoroughness and regularity, to be praying for the people I get the privilege to pray for and encourage this term. I didn’t know that your daughter is in my caring community group, and that I’ve been able to spend some time chatting with her over a meal, or building Rapunzel towers out of toilet paper rolls.

I didn’t know that it was you who encouraged my friend Katie and I as we ran circles around the lower field, proud of our “Interval Training” as you so kindly dubbed our out-of-breath walking breaks. I didn’t know it was you when I stopped to pet your sweet dog when you were out on a walk.

I didn’t know it was your husband when I saw him for the first time last week and asked my neighbor at the staff meeting, “Who is that?!? I’ve never seen him before!” [not a totally uncommon occurrence yet] before recognizing your son’s face perfectly carbon copied on the mask-less person speaking up front.

But now you’re gone, and I haven’t even the chance to say thank you. I hope your flights back to the US went well, and that the kids all traveled without any issue. I look forward to seeing you when you return many weeks from now, and I look forward to having your family over for a meal. All term, I’ve wanted to be real life friends with the people that had been so kind and generous towards me, and that hasn’t changed! It’ll just take a little while longer before we’re able to connect in person. And yes, I actually cried when I read your note and realized I wasn’t going to be able to be your friend right now. But alas- I can wait. Just a few weeks more before I can give you a huge smile and thank you for all of your sweet kind words and actions of encouragement.

I love my cute Christmas mug you left me, filled with hot drinks and small Christmas goodies. I’ll think of you and pray this time for you and your family while you’re back in the states as I sip my morning coffee or evening hot cocoa out of the mug you gave me while you were still here in Kenya.

Thank you for all you did this term to make me feel so loved and cared for.

Cheerfully,
Amy