Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with a heavy heart, I bring you my final address ever…nah I’m just playing around. We will have to write newsletters for E2 so ya’ll aren’t rid of me yet. This newsletter is gonna be more of a reflection than an actual newsletter because, after Mexico, not a whole lot has happened.

When I started Equip, I was not excited to do a gap year program. I had battled my parents on this issue many times and eventually agreed to do one just to satisfy them. I was nervous to be at a new place, angry that I was being forced away from home, but pretty excited because I could work in the shop. Other than that, I really didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t plan on making any life changes or trying to better myself and I most certainly didn’t expect to be coming back for a second year. Funny how God works things like that out.

Equip has been such an amazing experience. Joel and Danielle have shown me so much love and grace and really demonstrated Christ. Nolan and Jenny have poured so much time and effort into just getting to know me, and listening to me and counseling me. Hannah and Sandra have put up with so many shenanigans and yet they treat all of us students like brothers; shows how merciful and kind those two are. Our teachers are all such amazing people too, taking time out of their days to educate, learn, and grow with all of us. Lastly our vocational teachers deserve a huge shoutout. Justin, Ray, Nick, Sam, and Doug have all taught me so many things. The spiritual and educational training they have given is appreciated more than they could imagine.

So, what’s the point of this newsletter? I guess it’s just a verbalization of my gratitude. Thanks to my parents for forcing me to do a gap year program. Thanks to CMTS for having me for Equip, thanks to my new family down here in Pennsylvania, and thanks to all who have read, prayed, or supported me through this last year.  This is Aidan Doorn signing off (till July).