Growing up, my dad wasn't around much, but I was still blessed to have a godly man in my life. Scott was just a volunteer youth leader at Wayside Chapel, but spent more time with me and the guys in my group than many full time staff members would have. We spent every weekend at his house the summer between my Sophomore and Junior year and that probably kept me out of a lot of trouble. He was also a major reason for me becoming a youth pastor and going to seminary.

This summer we had a 10 year reunion of sorts. We camped at Green Lakes which is nestled right in between the South Sister and Broken Top. On Google maps, the South Sister is on the lower left and Broken Top is the lower right.

This is a panoramic shot taken while climbing Broken Top (on the right in this picture)

Here are the guys who made it from left to right: Derek, Nathan, Scott, me, Eli, and Chad.

Derek also brought his wife and Scott brought a cool guy from California:

Scott, thanks for the great times and for being a godly male influence in my life.

Today, I say goodbye to one of my closest friends over the past 6 years. We met in Dallas in 2001. Here are some of my fondest memories from Thanksgiving 2002.

Out at the beach

The beach at night

David and the Seagulls

I also took a trip out to New Mexico to see White Sands (famous to me because of the most awesome movie: Space Camp)

You will be missed my friend. Thanks for the girl.