Jamie Vergara

Four years later here we are

Back in Tampa for Discovery Camp

I say to myself I don’t know why I’m going while driving in the car

But God prepare my heart before we start

–

I feel out of place and I’m not the same

But throughout the weekend the Lord made it clear

That these perfect moments are always near

We’re not perfect people but we’re here to strive

Bethanie and Cris kick us off the time has arrived

–

I’m nervous because it’s been too long

Four years later and it feels so new

But it’s like the time never passed when I get to see the crew

So here are the things I learned and loved

And the people who help me seek what is Above

–

Four years later and I’m listening how to love

And to make the most of our time everyday

There’s no other timeline than what God has to say

There’s the good times and challenging parts we never want to face

But with our friends and family these cannon events become a God given grace

Because the people who love us will get us through

All the good and the bad and bring us to better views

–

Four years later and I’m reconnecting with the past

These friendships are forever and they’re here to last

I see my friends’ siblings and I’m close to tears

Because it felt like a piece of my heart was glued back together

Giselle Nicolas your sister is beautiful as ever

It’s like I get to see you again and I told her you made me who I am

Your little sister wanted to pay me back for getting her a snack

And I said, “No it’s okay Gayle your sister always had my back”

–

Four years later and my mission trips were brought up

I had a parent come up to me and tell me he was sorry he never supported me enough

And I said yes you did I remember your donation

But he said he’s sorry he never gave a chance to understand my mission

The family kept all my letters and thank you cards after all the years

And in that moment I thanked God and felt my heart drop some tears

–

Four years later and I’m leading a discussion group

I get to practice listening and my coaching

I had a girl tell me she remembers me

And to prove her point she said “you’re the one who always writes letters”

And I hoped whatever I said back then it was always for the better

I felt at peace like I wasn’t too old

And that the moments we shared are something to still hold

The girls in my group showed me we don’t have to struggle alone

Another piece of my heart glued back together, God’s in control

–

Four years later and we’re getting ready for mass

When the priest came out I was so happy

To see the same man who celebrated four years ago

He’s older and retired but youth ministry is up his alley

As he needed help on the altar to step down

I felt my heart sink but I’m glad he’s still around

My mind had a flashback to when we met in 2019

And I told him so much has changed from the time in between

I remember telling him I was scared to face the life after school

And he told me I got it and to do the best I could do

And I said Father I was EY now D&B

And my faith is still important to feed

I walked away feeling happy because I knew God was looking after me

–

Four years later and I’m sitting with Jax

I looked back at West Palm and I’m glad they’re still growing

I grew too, living in Jax and not knowing

That one day the kids that had to listen to my talks

Would be the guys I look up to and help me to walk

They asked who’s your top 3 and I said one is Janine

Because everyday she empowers me and is my shoulder to lean

I tell them about Theresa (Tre) and how she calls me out

To better my character and to lessen my self doubts

–

We get into groups with our cities

Holding and arms around one another

This is one of favorite activities

Because every time I feel like a failure and my light doesn’t shine

They tell me it’s okay and they keep me in line

–

Four years later and we got the old crew

Cocoy, Jesse, Cris, Bethanie with me on the side

And the blessing of help from Tina and Mission Tide

The Markines’ were right — to relive this moment means everything

Because this was One Flo’s upbringing

–

Four years later and it’s still all the crazy, fun, times

Spending time with my sisters at heart and partners in crime

Laughing so loud with Jesse and sisterhood bonding

Famcom, fashion, poetry, acting and singing

I’ll remember this always as the moments

That prepared me for anything