Phew. This tour has been incredible in so many ways, and we are simply exhausted. Last night was senior vespers, and if that didn’t completely drain us, writing 60 affirmations for our ministry family on the four hour ride home definitely did.
Just in case you don’t know, senior vespers is a night where the choir, puppet team, and mentors honor and recall significant memories about the graduated seniors. It’s always a most-looked-forward-to night by some, while for us, the ones leaving this year, it was completely dreaded. In fact, Billy Michael, another senior, made up a spur-of-the-moment talent show act just to put off the beginning of vespers. However, like all things, it began eventually, around 10:30, and lasted a grand total of 2 hours and 41 minutes.
Throughout this seemingly long period of time, many feelings were expressed – tears ran down everyone’s (including Dan Beirne’s) face one minute, and the next, as a favorite funny memory was shared, we erupted in laughter. It was the first time that students and mentors stood up individually to share their feelings, which shows how much respect we have for one another. Boundaries between freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors were dissolved and our love enveloped us all as one monstrous family. The juniors did an amazing job characterizing the seniors and our time spent in Eagle’s Wings, and other contributions that followed by underclassmen were also extremely heartfelt. They made us feel so loved and appreciated, making our goodbye even harder.
Although some of the tears spent were because we’d no longer get to see each other every Wednesday night or go on a kick-butt week-long tour every summer, most of our emotion came from the realization that we were no longer an active member of Eagle’s Wings. This year especially, the seniors have a gift for praising God through music, and we speak for the rest of the 2010 graduates in saying that we will truly miss bringing smiles to the faces of the Our Saviour’s congregation as we sing for the Lord.
For us, church truly is our second family. The bonds we have developed over the past four years will undoubtedly last a lifetime, simply because we have the strongest being holding our group together – our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has been the greatest blessing to be a part of this ministry, and we ask for your prayers as we continue on our faith journey and search for another group as strong as this one. Eagle’s Wings will forever hold a place in our hearts and we are so grateful for the amazing times its brought us.
Don’t worry – we’ll be back for more.
Love you all 
Tori Tanaka and Lindsey Heckes
While I believe that this is the first time I've heard Jesus described as being the one who, ahem, " holds their poop together", It somehow seems right coming from these two!
Lindsey has been a strronghold for me ,between my two boys (Matt & Kevin). She has been as good a friend as you can be to each of them in difficult times. It is comforting to a mother knowing that there is someone out there like that for your children, and for that, I will be eternally grateful!
While I don't know Tori as well, I know she comes from a great home. And great homes, make great kids! While the Tanakas were on vacation in California, they called Matt while he was at Camp Pendleton, and took him out to dinner. To me, this was such a generous gesture, made out of love and caring. Me ,as the mom waiting at home, was so grateful for him receiving the gift of some "family time". Viewing such a selfless gift as this, Tori can't help but be a generous & loving young adult.
I wish you both mountains of happiness and wonderful experiences. Treasure every moment – you both deserve it!
I'm pretty sure we meant "holding our GROUP together" (Graham…
), but you're right, we definitely would say something like that. Thanks so much for the compliment Ms. Christman, you know I'll continue to be there for you and your family even as I head to college in a few months – and for any other parents reading this, I'll be there for your kids too!
All my love and God's blessings
Decided to update "poop" to "group"
It works either way but figured it's better this way.
That was no time filler, that was pure talent up on that gym floor! I had no idea you guys put me in here
yep! cause we love you