Break Time

Hi faithful readers.

I am posting today to let you know that I've made a decision to stop writing in my blog, at least for now.

Posting has become a bit of a chore and just isn't really fun anymore.

I haven't had much to post except for my kids' letters and lately, it seems that I've mainly just typing them up for myself.

It seems my readership is pretty much zero, which is okay.

2019 has started with a bang and I don't expect it to slow down anytime soon. I predict that I will have less and less time to blog.

For now, I plan to keep the photos and ages of my kids in the sidebar updated, in case I decide to come back and start blogging again.

For now, I don't have plans to delete this blog.

Just a break. Probably a long one. But it's hard to say.

So, I say goodbye. Or see you later. Who knows?

It's been a fun adventure. Have a good day!

Three Letter Tuesday: Volume 27

I almost forgot about today's post, because I got my days all mixed up. With yesterday being a day off of school, I spent much of today thinking it was Monday. I got back on track eventually.

Tomorrow is Wednesday. I will (hopefully) remember.

Today's first letter comes to us from Tern. He is writing this letter to me on the template called My Hobbies and Pets.

Tern is 6 years old, live in Thailand, and he wrote this letter on November 11th, 2018.

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1. Some of my hobbies are: Playing with friends & Playing games & sports 

2. I like to do my hobbies with: My friends 

3. Do you have a pet? No 

4. I would like to have as a pet: A Dog 

5. I would name my pet: Euro 

Dear Kayla, 

Hello. I am Ms. Chuanchom, an aunt of Tern. I'm writing on behalf of him because he can't write for himself. He is working on writing. His family now has one more member. His great aunt just delivered a daughter named Pukpang. She is now 2 months old. Tern had an opportunity to visit his parents who live in another province. His parents took him to the beach. He likes playing in the sea. He had a lot of fun. Do you travel often? The Christmas festival is coming. How do you prepare for Christmas? The church is preparing the children for a Christmas performance. Please pray for the preparation and for Tern's studying. May God bless you always. 

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Up next is a nice, joyful letter from Jonathan. I love hearing about how excited our Compassion kids get excited for Christmas. It's kind of fun to get these letters after Christmas and relive magic through a child's eyes. 

Jonathan is 10 years old and lives in Burkina Faso. His letter is dated December 8th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello! How are you doing? I hope that you are doing well and that your family and everybody are doing very well. My family and I are doing very well, by the grace of God. I really like the story about the frog. The frog had fun after the princess kept her promises to the frog. Thank you for this funny story. I read the bible passage Luke 2:6-18 that you sent me. This verse is about the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. The birth of Jesus is really a gift and a miracle that God sent to us. I wish you a merry Christmas! 

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Today's last letter comes from Emanise who, you guessed it, is also talking about Christmas. It's that time of year in sponsorship land. 

Emanise is 18 years old, lives in Haiti, and wrote this letter on December 23rd, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

It is always a great pleasure for me every time I have the opportunity to write a letter to you. How are you and your family? How are your activities? As for me, everything is going well. I would like to let you know about my activities during this time of year. I tell you that I spent another wonderful Christmas celebration at the project. On Saturday the 15th, we had a wonderful Christmas celebration and it was amazing. We have been talking about the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you know about that? I will share it with many people. I thank you for your letters and your support. Please continue to pray for me and I will pray for you. Merry Christmas and happy new year 2019! 

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Five Letter Friday: Volume 27

It's been an overwhelmingly beautiful, hopeful for the future kind of day. I have been feeling so grateful over the last 18 days. I am so excited to see how 2019 progresses!

On that note, let's read some letters from some wonderful kids!

We'll start with a form letter entitled My Hopes For the Future, which I find extremely fitting for how I feel about today. This letter is written by Tern.

Tern is 6 years old, lives in Thailand, and his letter is dated November 27th, 2018.

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1. Do I want to go to university when I grow up?: I do 

2. When I grow up, do I want to get married?: I do 

3. When I grow up, I want to be: A soldier/police officer 

4. In the future, I hope to visit: A foreign country 

5. In the future, I hope to meet: My sponsor 

Dear Kayla, 

Hello, this is my letter to you. During this time, I am practicing dancing to perform on Christmas day. Thank you for writing to me. I am glad to read each letter from you. When is the Christmas celebration in your place? We will have a Christmas celebration at the project on December 29th. It is on a Saturday. We will celebrate the new year too. Please pray for us. We wish you happiness. 

Tern

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This next letter was a bit of a surprise for me. I received a first letter from a cutie named Alejandro, who I had no idea was in my sponsorship family. It turns out that he was a hidden correspondent, due to a technical glitch on my account. It had been many months since hidden correspondents were a common thing. I was surprised to receive this cutie, but I'm so happy to get to write to him. 

Alejandro is 7 years old and is from Nicaragua. His letter is not dated, so it was most likely written when he was enrolled in the project and then sent of immediately when he was sponsored. 

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1. My weight: 24 kg (52 pounds) 

2. My height: 120 cm (3' 11") 

3. My eye color is: Brown 

4. My family is: Father, mother, siblings, grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins 

5. My favorites: 

Food: Rice soup 

Color: Orange 

Class: Literature and Spanish 

Pet: Dog 

Bible Character: Jesus 

Game: Soccer 

6. My home is located in: The city 

Dear Sponsor, 

Greetings from Alejandro! He says thank you for your sponsorship. He says he is happy because he is learning to read. He likes the project because he is learning to pray there. He wishes to know, do you have any siblings? My dream for the future is to be a professional soccer player. He wishes that you pray for his aunt Heydi who is sick. 

Love,

Your Child Alejandro 

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Our next letter comes from Semira. I'm glad to hear that she is progressing in school. Due to her age, it seems she likely got a late start in school. 

Semira is 9 years old, lives in Ethiopia, and wrote this letter on December 18th, 2018. 

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My Dear Sponsor, 

How are you doing? I am doing well with my family, by the grace of God. I hope all is great with you. I am 1st grade student now. Exam season is near. Please pray that I would do well. I want to thank you for everything that you're doing for me. May God bless you all the days of your life. I have received your letter. Thank you! Until next time, bye. 

With lots of love,

Semira

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This next letter also comes from Ethiopia, from Milkias now. I feel like this kiddo is holding back in his letters. I would love for him to open up and share more about his life. I pray that as I continue to write to him, he'll be comfortable sharing more with me. We'll see! 

Milkias is 14 years old and his letter is dated December 10th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I send greetings to you, my lovely sponsor. How are you doing? I and my family are doing well, thanks to God. I received the letter you sent to me. Please pray about me. I will pray for you too. More than just letters, I pray we will meet each other in person. I love you so much. Peace of God be with you! 

Milkias

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The last letter of today's post is from my name twin, Keyla. She wrote her letter on the Festivals and Holidays template. 

Keyla is 8 years old and lives in Ecuador. Her letter is dated November 26th, 2018. 

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1. My favorite national festival is: Children's Day

2. Why?: Because I receive gifts and spend time with my family. 

3. The food that I like the most during the festival is: Squid Ceviche 

4. I like to spend the holidays with: My family 

5. During the holidays, I like to go to: The cinema, the beach, and the mall 

6. Please pray for: My sister who is sick 

7. I want to thank you for: The letters you send me with love 

8. I also want to say: I feel so happy for the letters that you send me. I like every fairy tale you share with me. 

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Three Letter Tuesday: Volume 26

Let's get right to it today! 

Our first letter comes from Yohannis, who seems to attend a pretty great project. I love hearing specifically how our kids benefit. 

Yohannis is 9 years old, lives in Ethiopia, and he wrote this letter on November 19th, 2018. 

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For My Beloved Kayla, 

How are you doing? Me and my family are doing just fine, thanks to God. I am very happy that you are my sponsor because I am going to school just like my friends, with all the supplies I need. The project buys me clothes, books, uniforms, and lots of other things. I thank you so much and I thank God for giving me you. If God didn't bless me with you, I wouldn't be going to school. May God bless you. I am now a handsome and happy child. My family loves you too. Do you love me and my family? I will close my letter by giving you my word to work hard at school. 

Your Child,

Yohannis

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The next letter we read tonight comes from Juan Camilo. He seems like such a joyful young man! 

Juan Camilo is 17 years old and lives in Colombia. His letter is dated November 26th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Blessings in the name of Jesus. In this letter, I want to let you know my deepest gratitude for your daily support and your lovely letter that you sent me. I really laugh at the funny story you sent and the story about the shoes gives us a great teaching. Today I'd like to tell you what I do during the week, Monday through Friday. I get up at 6:00 a.m in order to get ready to go to school on time. In the afternoon, I do homework and play soccer with my friends. At night, I sit down on our terrace to chat with my family. Sometimes, I go to the field near my house to see some soccer games. Then, I go to sleep around 10:00 or 10:30 p.m. My favorite day of the week is Sunday because I go to church and have more time to play. Please pray for me that I will do well in school. How are you doing? I say goodbye with this lovely Bible verse: Philippians 4:6. 

Goodbye, 

Juan Camilo

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Today's final letter also comes from Ethiopia. We come full circle, even if it's a tiny circle. ;) 

This letter is from Tamire, who doesn't appear to have been feeling very chatty today. 

Tamire is 9 years old and she wrote this letter on December 7th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I send you my greeting to the place where you are. My lovely sponsor, how are you doing? I and my family members are doing well. How about you? I am very happy when receiving your letter. Please pray for my country, my family, and my education. Till the next letter, bye! 

Tamire

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Five Letter Friday: Volume 26

Let's get the letter party started, shall we?!

Happy Friday!

Today's first letter comes to use from Thailand, from a sweet little boy named Jaw-bu-keh. It is written on the template entitled My Hopes For the Future.

Jaw-bu-keh is 8 years old. His letter is dated November 30th, 2018.

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1. When I grow up, do I want to go to university?: I do 

2. When I grow up, do I want to get married?: I'm not sure if I do

3. When I grow up, I want to be: A teacher 

4. In the future, I hope to visit: My sponsor's country 

5. In the future, I hope to meet: My sponsor 

Dear Kayla, 

First of all, may God bless you give you happiness in your life. I am Tawantochai and I am a volunteer at the project. I write the letter for Jaw-bu-keh because he is very young and can't write yet. He and his family are fine. He gets up in the morning, washes his face and brushes his teeth. Then he helps his mother carry water and then gets dressed for school. He eats rice for breakfast and then goes to school. He goes to school not very far from his house. He spends only a few minutes to walk to school. Now it is the cold season already. Soon it will be Christmas and he is getting very excited. He wants to know if you are excited about Christmas. At last, pray for him and his family; for their life, their work, and their health. May God bless you. 

Love in Christ, 

Jaw-bu-keh & volunteer 

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Now a letter from Jhonrex. It seems like the poor guy had a bit of a rough time, but I am glad to hear he is recovering now. I'm sure he's been in a lot of pain! 

Jhonrex is 18 years old, lives in the Philippines, and wrote this letter on November 13th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello, my friend. How are you there? I'm doing okay, though I broke bones in my right leg. I am thankful to God that I am still alive and for never leaving me. In September, I was in an accident on my motorbike, but I will be okay. I thank for student center project for assisting me. I stopped schooling and attending the project because of my accident. I couldn't attend either place. Thank you for the letters I received. I hope Gage and Chloe are enjoying your treat. Thank you also for the pictures. I enjoy looking at them. I also like the stories because they come together well at the end. Please pray for my full recovery and future good health. This Christmas, what will you do? Until your next letter, thank you so much. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Jhonrex

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This next letter from Gary is especially special because it is his final letter to me. Gary recently turned 18 and has now officially graduated from his Compassion project. I wish he great success in the future! 

This letter appears to have been written and/or dictated by somebody else and written in the 3rd person. 

Gary is from Nicaragua and wrote this letter to me on November 14th, 2018.

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Hello Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

The young man Gary appreciates your sponsorship. He wants you to be in good health. He tells you that his health is good, thanks to God. Gary is sad because this is his last letter. He says that he keeps all of your letters. He is grateful that you have taken all this time to write to him. Gary says he is happen to have met his friend who you sponsor in Mexico. Gary sends his greetings to this child and hopes he continues in the ways of the Lord. Gary is grateful to have learned about him. Gary is happy for the photographs of the children. He is happy to know that you still have communication with Gage and Chloe, even though you don't care for them anymore. Gary appreciates all of the support and love and effort you have invested in him. He appreciates all your gifts and you will never get away from his heart. Gary wants you to continue to support other children who also have needs. He hopes God blesses you in your work and may God give you good health. Gary will always keep you in his heart and prayers. He says goodbye to you lots of love and lots of hugs. 

Sincerely, 

Gary Jose 

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We move onto a letter from Maria Eduarda, whose name I have slowly changing to get used to it. I've always called her Maria, but recently found out she actually goes by her middle name, Eduarda. I'm using her first and middle name and will try to change it to just Eduarda in my brain. It's a process after so many years of calling her just Maria. 

Maria Eduarda is 14 years old, lives in Brazil, and her letter is dated November 21st, 2018. 

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Hello Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

How are you? How is your family doing? My family and I are doing well. I am going into a new stage of my life and I will soon start my first year of high school. I will have my graduation from middle school. I am both happy and anxious. I want to say thanks for the letter that you have sent to me. Soon I hope to receive more news in another letter from you. I am always very happy to receive your letters. Please be praying for my family, my graduation, and my start at a new school. I share Psalm 23:1 with you, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." I say goodbye, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. 

Your Sponsored Child,

Maria Eduarda

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Our post today ends with a form letter, titled My Friends, from Shakilla, who lives in Rwanda. 

Her letter is dated December 4th, 2018. 

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1. Some of my friends are: Angelique, Joyeuse, & Odda

2. Activities I do with my friends are: Fetching water, collecting firewood, and playing 

3. My favorite activities to do with my friends are: Singing & praying 

4. My best friend is: Angelique 

5. My best friend is special because: She helps me to study 

Dear Kayla, 

Shakilla is greeting you in the name of Jesus Christ. Herself and her family are doing fine. We are glad for the letter you sent to us. We are very happy to hear of the story of the birds. We are happy that Gage and Chloe go to school. Shakilla got 77/100 marks at school. Happy new year 2019! 

Written by Nyiraahageniman (Shakilla's mother)

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Three Letter Tuesday: Volume 25

There first letter I'll share with you today is from Mulwa. I got a few nice details in this letter, which is great!

Mulwa is 11 years old, lives in Kenya, and he wrote this letter on November 15th, 2018.

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Mulwa greets you in the name of  our savior Jesus Christ. He hopes that you are fine together with your family. He is fine. His family members are also fine. He has been promoted to the next class. The school will soon be closed for the Christmas holiday. He also attends the project regularly. In the project he has learned many skills to help him. He attends Sunday school every Sunday to learn new memory verses and to sing gospel songs. He can recite many memory verses. He likes playing football both at home and at the project. He has a cat named bro. He likes playing with his cat. He will soon prepare for Christmas. He is happy that he will do many fun activities at the project. You wishes you the best in your life! May God bless you. 

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Up next is a letter from Zenebu and this letter from her is written on the template called Festivals and Holidays. I really appreciate how wells he answered each question. I really like I learned quite a bit about her from this particular letter.

Zenebu is 7 years old and lives in Ethiopia. Her letter is dated November 24th, 2018.

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1. Our national holidays/festivals are: Epiphany, Christmas, Easter, New Year, and The Cross Festival. 

2. My favorite food to eat during the holidays is: Local bread 

3. My family celebrates Christmas by: Fasting and going to church 

4. At the project, we celebrate Christmas by: Watching drama, singing, eating candy and cookies. 

5. My favorite national holiday is: Christmas 

6. My family celebrates New Year by: Preparing food 

Please pray for me to be a clever student. I have received your letter. Thank you. Everything is going well with me. I am Kindergarten-3 and the teachers are so good. 

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I close out today's post with a letter from my sweet boy Hansen. I haven't had this kiddo in my sponsorship family very long, but there is just something about him that I adore. He just seems like such a great young man. 

Hansen is 12 years old, is from Indonesia, and he wrote this letter on November 27th, 2018. 

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Dear Ms. Kayla,

Shalom! How are you doing over there? My family and I are all in good health here. Within these last 3 months, I have been studying in junior high school. At school, I am joining in two extracurricular activities; MCC (I looked it up and it's called Millennium Challenge Corporation. It appears to be a group that teaches kids skills so they can be successful in the future) and Band. However, the band is not yet active. This week, I have studied harder than usual. It is because, this week, I will have my first semester exams. I am preparing myself and getting my writing utensils ready. I hope to have your prayer support, Ms. Kayla, that I will have good results. I pray for you too, that you will always be in good health and be successful in your work. May the Lord Jesus bless you. 

With Love,

Hansen

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Five Letter Friday: Volume 25

It's time to get back on track with posting my letters. I said I would start up again in 2019 and here I am, keeping my promise. :)

We start the first letter post of the new year with a letter from Nico. He wrote his letter on the template titled My Hobbies & Pets.

Nico is 7 years old, lives in Indonesia, and this letter is dated October 26th, 2018.

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1. Some of my hobbies are: Drawing

2. I like to do my hobbies: By myself 

3. Do I have a pet?: Yes 

4. My pet's name is: Cat 

5. One day, I would like to have a pet named: Puss

Dear Kayla, 

Greetings in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. How are you? I hope that you are doing fine. Thank you for the letter you sent me and for sharing your stories. I'm so happy to hear from you. What are your daily activities? I just finished taking a school examination and I am happy to have good grade results. I always pray for you to be under God's protection. Please continue to pray for me and my family. That's all for me. God bless you. 

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Up next is a short letter from Jhoyra. Even in short letters, she's great at sharing details. I enjoy reading letters from her so much.

Jhoyra is 12 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter was written on November 17th, 2018.

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Dear Sponsor, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus. I thank you for the pictures and stories that are nice. I want to tell you that we had a parade saying "No to Halloween". Also on that day, we celebrated International Day of the Church. I am glad that Chloe and Gage are well. When do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Do you have a boyfriend? I will pray for you. I say goodbye with a kiss and a hug. 

Love,

Jhoyra

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Onto a letter from Brian, who I can't believe is getting so old! I have been writing to him for several years now. He's growing into a great young man. 

Brian is from Kenya. He is 17 years old. He wrote this letter on November 3rd, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping that you are doing well with all of your family. My family and I are doing fine and God has been our protecting. I received all the letters that you wrote to me. The stories were really enjoyable and the stories were amazing. We have closed our school for a long holiday. I plan to help my mother doing work and going to church almost every day. Before I wind up, I have a memory verse to share with you, Psalm 121:1-2. Thank you for your support and letters. May God bless you. 

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Now I will share a letter from Rebecca, my girl who is involved in so many activities and seems to enjoy and be great at all of them. I am looking forward to where the leads bring her and what her ultimate plan for the future will be. 

Rebecca is 11 years old, lives in the Philippines and her letter is dated November 3rd, 2018. 

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Dear Ate Kayla, 

How are you and your family? Here we are all okay. What kind of weather do you have there? We are experiencing hot weather, so the flow of water is slow. In our school, we had an examination and I got a high score. Next week, we will be having a Girl Scout encampment and I'm hoping that I can join. Help me to pray for that matter please. The story of the Elves and the Shoemaker is nice and I hope that all people will be like the elves. God bless you. Yes, I can helping you in praying for Gage and Chloe. 

Love,

Rebecca

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And this post will wrap up with a letter from Habtamu. It's great to hear from him!

Habtamu is 9 years old, from Ethiopia, and his letter is dated November 27th, 2018.

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My Dear Friend,

How are you doing? I'm doing very well. I'm learning my academics very well. Exams are coming up so I am studying hard. I got the letter you sent to me, so thank you very much. The drawing page made me so happy. I would like to give you Proverbs 1:7. I would like you to pray for my family, my academics, and my country. Until the next letter, goodbye. I love you so much. 

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