March 8, 2011- Joanie Burkhalter

JOAN! Man oh man, we have certainly had some joyous times together. I guess our friendship started under the care and love of one of the most incredible men alive, Jeffery Redding, singing our hearts out in Bel Canto. It is hard to explain the bond we all had to people who haven't experienced it, but there truly is something special that happens when everyone in the room is striving for the same thing, regardless of race, gender, circumstance or background. I never would have dreamed that by the end of sophomore year I would be riding on the top of a car with you fighting for our lives!


One of the most beautiful qualities Joanie has is love. She genuinely loves people for who they are and not who the world tells them they should be. She treats everyone around her with the same love that Christ shows to her; nonjudgemental and unconditional love. Joanie seeks common ground with others and truly makes you feel important and loved when she is around. Her heart is so beautiful and her spirit is untouchable. Joan, never forget how much your creator adores you and that He has molded you to be exactly who you are. Thank you for a friendship that you didn't have to have with me, I love you forever.


1 John 4:18
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."