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I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

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I will always remember the AC Retreat and the Jungle Jim's Scavenger Hunt. We had a lot of laughs together over some Graeter's Ice Cream. 

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Lauren, it has been such a joy and a true blessing to work alongside you this past year. I am also so thankful for your wisdom and guidance over the years as we served together in Area Teams. You have been such an encouragement to me, and I’m so grateful for you. I especially appreciate your mentorship during my first weeks as a TSS at AHG. Your patience and support in helping me with emails meant so much to me. I am confident that God has an incredible plan for you in this next season, and I can’t wait to see how He will use your gifts to bless others.

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Lauren, you are a rare and beautiful soul. I have so appreciated working with you through AHG for the past 11 years, as both a volunteer and Staff. You are such a part of the fabric of AHG, I can't even imagine what we will look like without you here.

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It is wonderful to hear of you chasing dreams, and I pray you find all of them! May God bless your steps wherever you journey. You are loved!

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You are a blessing to me and all who know you!

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Lauren, you are such a treasure!  You have taught me so much even from my first days at AHG. Sitting in that back room, all scrunched together turned out to be a blessing. I learned about communicating well, transformational language, showing respect and value to volunteers, handling conflict with grace and so much more! Your measured thoughtfulness reminds my hurried mind to calm down and refocus on what truly matters.  I am blessed to have worked with you and I hope we get to go on some hikes together!  

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Lauren,

I have been so blessed to have gotten to know you over the last few years. I am awed and inspired by you and your willingness to help others.

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I am praying for you as you move forward in this new adventure!

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"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19

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Starting a new job can be intimidating, but starting a new job at the beginning of a pandemic is something else all together. Almost 5 years ago, when I first joined AHG, I was challenged with learning how to work from home for the first time. No one on the Troop Coach Team had been remote before, so it was strange for everyone. However, I was not only remote, but I was learning and being trained in a completely virtual setting. I am grateful for the way you navigated that season with me. The past few years have been full of change and you have always encouraged our team to see change as "possibility." I am praying that God continues to use that part of you to encourage others that a change is often an opportunity for God to do something amazing. :)

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You have served AHG well and helped to change the Kingdom of God here on earth. Now on to a new Adventure!

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The 2015 Convention was my first big event with AHG.  I will always remember helping you and Robyn Brooks move the massive amount of cupcakes from the kitchen your mom was baking in, to the convention area. It was the middle of the night, but we got it done! Hanging out with you and Robyn was such a joy! Packing OCC Boxes and praying over them was a yearly event and we had so much fun doing it. I will always remember when we would go into the Prayer Closet at the old building, and you would pray for me. That meant more than you know!

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God has a plan for you! Keep your eyes on Him and watch as He unfolds it. His time may not be your time, but He is always on time!

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Words that come to mind when I think of Lauren: poised, deliberate, thoughtful, smiles, insightful, patient, and calm. These are all beautiful strengths you have shared. I am thankful that I have gotten to work with you, learn from you, and get to know you. You are a blessing and a beautiful example of what it is to be a follower of Christ. I have no doubt that God has wonderful plans for you. I'm excited to hear about them!

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I will always remember walking with you and Sarah around the building during the staff retreat as a breather during all the extroverting. That was cool, and so needed. I still have no idea how you were able to walk that quickly and steadily in heels. That takes talent. 

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Please know as you start your next chapter, that you are surrounded by prayer. “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

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Best WISHES!

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Lauren, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May God bless you and keep you!

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Because my words are failing me, let me share a few verses that come to mind when I think of our time together:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

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In early 2020, Lydia D. and I met in Tennessee for an in-person work session before my very first vision casting session. You were the Troop Coach Manager at the time. I recall you sliding into a Teams meeting with the Area Teams Department (& by sliding I quite literally mean sliding back and forth behind Kristin's desk, coming in and out of the view of the camera several times with animated expressions). Your drive-by brought quite a bit of levity to our meeting. In fact, Lydia and I laughed so hard that I could not finish the practice vision casting session with a straight face. Who knew that just a short time later AHG as an organization would work primarily through screens. The memory showcases your goofy, fun-loving side but it taught me that you can connect and have fun through a screen (which became vitally important through the remainder of 2020 and 2021). Laughter is truly good for the soul, and I am so glad that you helped me to become a bit more lighthearted about all things "volunteer".  :0)

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Our friendship started when you were my Troop Coach sooo many years ago. You actually tried to recruit me into an Area Team role! Neither of us could have imagined at that time that the Lord would lead me to a role on Staff, developing Area Teams. We officially began working together during a tumultuous time in the Area Teams Department. Our friendship grew, as did my respect for you. You have always been an "old soul" with wisdom and discernment beyond your years. I especially admire how you put people first, even above goals & work plans. As I think back over the last 2 years, we have faced some incredible challenges and experienced some amazing wins in Area Teams. We've experienced the Lord's faithfulness through it all. I am so delighted for you and your next adventure, but I am truly saddened to continue the AHG adventure without you. Your eleven years of working knowledge will leave a big hole within the organization; however, your fingerprints are on literally everything volunteer related. Your impact will be felt for many years beyond your tenure. You are an absolute gem, and I am so thankful that our paths crossed again. I pray that wherever the Lord takes you in the coming years, that your big, fun-loving, compassionate heart will continue to impact others. Here's hoping that your new team loves to indulge in good coffee and meals. Seriously, though, I also pray that you can find rest and restoration in Him. Godspeed, friend! 

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You know, I tried to procrastinate this note to the last minute, because I think I am still in denial God is calling you elsewhere! In every interaction we have and over the last 5 years, you have just lived and breathed the heart of AHG, but I think that is because you have centered your life around Christ. His Spirit just shines through you and in the way you have helped shape the culture of this workplace.

During my first conflict call with a volunteer I was so nervous. Like almost sick to my stomach. I remember the calm and confidence you had as we got on the phone together. You invited God into the conversation through prayer right as we got started. It was the first time in my life I had ever seen/heard someone do that. Now, even at home, when we start trying to problem solve or work through a conflict, we invite God in first.

You were an amazing mentor as I learned the program, how to coach others through the "touchy-feely" stuff, which has never been my favorite, and how to be patient with ourselves as much as we are with others.

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God is going to keep you busy, and your impact on this world and the next will be amazing! 

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You are told about some wild conflict or question that is so crazy it took me 45 minutes to explain... "Huh...well, that is different..." 

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And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 ESV)

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A fun memory for me was the first CLA I attended in Louisville, KY. I enjoyed our time working together "in-person" in a coffee shop near the hotel/convention. Since we are true coffee lovers, we got some great coffee and worked on a project together. It was fun to work with you over coffee in a non-virtual environment. :)

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Lauren, I'm so thankful that you brought me into this wonderful AHG Ministry almost 3 years ago! It has been a blessing and a joy to serve alongside you. Your love for Jesus and passion for Kingdom growth is evident in your life. You will be greatly missed, but I know you will be a tremendous blessing to the people God is calling you to serve in this next season of life. I pray that God will continue to work in and through you as you live for Him.   

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You have been such a blessing to AHG and everyone here!

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It has been such a pleasure to work with you all these years! You have so much to offer and I am excited for you as you continue to bless the world one step at a time!  You will be sorely missed, as you have touched so many lives with your gentle heart.

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^^^ This small corner of your office shelf was incredibly impactful for me last March during Staff Retreat. Thank you for living this precept as a Christ-follower, as a leader, and as a woman.

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Having dinner with you and Kristi Rice in the Fall of 2023 after meeting with the Salt & Wine team was such a splendid gift! It was uplifting, refreshing, and refining to have that time with you both. Your kind leadership over your team is a natural outflow of the way the Lord wired you, and I couldn't help but thank God for you during that dinner. 

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In reading through Psalms of Godly leadership, I see repeated values of justice, courage, righteousness, and love. Thinking back over your time with AHG, I very clearly see those embodied in your legacy with the Volunteer Services Team. Thank you for pursuing excellence and taking your faith into every area of your work. Whether it be wisely developing policies or structures, resourcing volunteers, or equipping your AHG, Inc. team, you worked with joy and the utmost of care. Thank you for the years you've invested into this ministry! "...that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;" Psalm 78:6-7, ESV

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May there always be good coffee wherever the Lord is taking you!

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As you begin this new journey, I am praying the prayer for the Ephesians over you, part of which says, ...that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

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I am grateful for the time I have had to get to know you.  You are an excellent leader who shares wisdom and grace freely.  I will always be grateful for your reminder to be aware of glimpses of God's grace in every day!  You have served Him very well at AHG, may He continue to equip you for His good work and bring you great joy in it.  You will be missed!

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Remember that one time in 2016 when Abby cried because she didn't realize the magnitude of 1,000 Welcome Back Box supplies? (LOL)

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I am excited and grieving at the same time, lol. I know the Lord will use you mightily in whatever/wherever He guides your next steps...but sad you won't be a partner in crime at AHG. Love you and will miss you!

P.S. I am game for joining any exciting mission adventures you plan in the future!

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Let's see, there was the time I ordered 1,000 of every supply for the Welcome Back boxes. And when it was delivered to the office I melted into a puddle of tears because I didn't know what I was going to do with it. I think you scraped me off the floor, and together, we hunted for a space to put it all. Then, there were all those awkward Christmas photos we would take at the old office. The time you stayed up all night baking cupcakes for the 20th Anniversary; we were all slap-happy in the gathering room of the staff dorm by the end of the event. The staff baseball game, the many fun experiences with P10 and staff NDS, and all the staff retreats. Can you tell yet how much I am going to miss you?! (LOL).

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Wow! What a fun journey at AHG it has been with you over the last ten years. I always thought of us as a dynamic duo with the personalities of Peter and Paul. I am the crazy-emotional "I will cut-off an ear for you" friend, and you are the calm "let's think of the best way to communicate the message" friend, lol. You have been a great friend, confidant, fellow problem-solver, someone I can bounce ideas off of, a great listener, conflict resolution pro ;), fellow psychology geek, mission adventure story-swapping buddy, and most of all cherished sister in Christ!

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Lol, I think "It will be okay" and "We will get through this" is what I have heard the most over the years. You are such a great encourager.

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I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV)

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I will treasure our 2 mile hike on the Overton Trail in the Arizona Mountains. The sites were beautiful and the company was amazing!

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Lauren, I treasure our time together at AHG. Your love for the Lord was evident in every interaction. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities you have given me. I have grown both professionally and personally under your leadership. Although I'm a little mad at you for leaving (HAHAHA), I am so excited for the adventure you have ahead of you. I know without a doubt that God is going to accomplish amazing things through you for His Kingdom! 

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Lauren has a special ability to speak into people’s lives and encourage and exhort them. God has truly gifted her in this way more than anyone I have every known and I know that she will be greatly missed ant AHG and also make a huge impact wherever He takes her next.

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Debate class, Summit 2009, South Carolina, Nerf war circa like 2008 🤣🤣🤣 

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Sweet friend, you are a blessing and a treasure and I have loved getting to work with you! I know you are going to do incredible things wherever God leads you. I am so grateful for our many years of friendship and the many we have ahead <3

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Obviously, I don't know where God is leading you or the plans He has in store, but I do know where ever it is, you will be the answer to someone's prayer. I am blessed to have met you!

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...the smile I "heard" on your face when you told me I got this job! I was in the grocery store isle and squealed with joy!! 

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I've only had the pleasure to know you a very short time, but you have definitely made a lasting impression on my heart. You inspire me to reach for bigger and better, that "big picture" arena that I tend to shy away from.  You do it with such grace, it has truly been a blessing to witness.  May the path ahead, be upward and beautiful!

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AHG has been blessed by your 11 years of dedication!

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I am so thankful that we crossed paths before you ventured on to your next journey. May your next step in life be blessed with joy and success!

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It has been such a joy to work with you, Lauren!

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Lauren, in every in-person and virtual interaction we've had, your desire to please the Lord and serve Him well in your role has been so evident. Your ability to navigate challenges with grace and level-headedness has always inspired me! Best wishes to you in your future endeavors! 

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Wishing you all the best as you embark on your next journey! You have been such a blessing to this ministry over your 11 years of service, you will be dearly missed!

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I always looked forward to when you were scheduled to lead Vision Casting, you have such a gift for storytelling and encouragement! Thank you for all the wisdom and inspiration you shared with us! 

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I am praying for a smooth transition and tranquility as this chapter closes and your next one begins. God's got you in the palm of His hands! 

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You have been a part of what has made coming onto the staff so extraordinarily special. Your heart and passion for those you work with and supervise has always been so apparent. You have been a true blessing to AHG and those of us who work with you.

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I am praying that the Lord bless and keep you as you follow His leading for this next chapter. You will be so missed! 

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Consider a famous movie star in your future endeavors because I still say you look like Amy Adams!!

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Good luck in your new season and I am glad I got to meet you!

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I truly appreciate your willingness to bring me onto the AHG Staff! It has been a joy and pleasure getting to learn from you and getting to know you better! You have an amazing way of leading and guiding that encourages us to work harder and lean into our strengths all for the sake of the Lord and His girls!

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I don't expect you to remember our first couple of times we met. You were leading breakout sessions at two different events and I was learning from you even then! 

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I look forward to keeping in touch and will be praying for you and your next steps!

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Remember in the old office when I had to announce myself from around the corner whenever I was approaching your desk, as to not startle you? Did I feel bad about the degree to which I scared you? Yes. Did I also laugh every time? Yes. lol

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I cannot adequately express what a joy and privilege it has been to work alongside you for going on nine years. I have learned and grown in so many ways thanks to your guidance and example. I look forward to hearing about what adventure God has in store for you next! 

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You always knew how to be respectful even when it was obvious something wasn't going well. "Well, that was special!" 

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Thank you, Lauren, from the bottom of my heart. From my first interview until now, you have always been so friendly, caring, helpful, and understanding. God has blessed you with a lot of gifts that shine through you in everything you do. Although our time working together has been short, I am forever grateful and blessed to have that time. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to join AHG and gain experience in an amazing organization with amazing people. You will be greatly missed and wherever God leads you, they will be blessed beyond measure to have you.

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What a joy it has been to work alongside you the past few months! You are a beautiful and talented lady and I know you will go on to do great things!

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Thank you for your amazing 11 years of service to AHG. What an inspiration you are to so many! Your kindness and compassion for others shine through in all that you say and do. I am praying God will continue to richly bless for you and your future endeavors. Wishing you joy and peace my friend!

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Thank you Lauren for blessing girls and volunteers with your 11 years of faithful services.  Your passion for people is evident!  

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Although I am celebrating this beautiful new season ahead of you as you follow the Lord's leading to pursue new opportunities, you will be dearly missed!

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I will never forget my slip up with my "Clevelander" language in my meeting with Area Teams and my subsequent sincere, in-person apology over food from Senegal.  :)  

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Thank you Lauren for your graciousness in my first days and weeks at AHG.  Your ability to put people at ease and validate others is such a gift to those around you.  Thank you for your generous friendship and your happy laugh.  

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"Well lets just try and see what happens..."   "It was so wonderful...." 