Comments from Kalina:

So I'm not at Workshops this year.
I mean, life gets in the way. Money issues, priorities, that sort of thing.
And this all made sense in my head a few months ago when I had to make the decision of whether or not I should/could go.

But man, now I'm seeing pictures of everything and remembering that feeling. You guys know exactly what I mean. You'll feel it tonight, when you say goodbye to everyone. When you stay up way later than is good for you after a week of insane awesomeness. Maybe you'll have another prayer circle and re-experience the Church of OYAN, because that totally is a thing.

I know Mig posted something similar - and a whole lot longer and more eloquent - but I just needed to share this.

I haven't been super active in the OYAN community lately - especially not the forum, but not a ton here either.

But somehow... looking at these pictures and hearing some of the stories and getting to Gmail chat with Callie, Star, and Isaac a bit... You kinda remember what home feels like. There's that satisfaction, I guess, that comes from being a part of OYAN. You know these people are crazy, and weird, and absolutely nuts, but you're all SO BEAUTIFUL and I honestly love you all so much. Because we're FAMILY. This is what family feels like. Yes, we fight (some more than others), but that's what families do. We just have to get over ourselves again and make up with each other and realize that at the end of the day, we ARE a family.

Enjoy this last day. Maybe I'll join you again next year. I love you all, and miss you SO MUCH.

~Kalina Myers