These two joyful people are Pastor Russ Carlson and his wife, Laurie.
Believe it or not, this was not a candid picture... they chose to pose this way! I didn't edit it, because I think it's just perfectly fitting.

Pastor Russ has been the senior pastor at my church for eighteen years... meaning, my whole life. Today was his last Sunday, and now he is officially retired. It was a really emotional day for everyone-- first with his last sermon this morning, and then with the dinner and special service this evening. Saying goodbye was really hard! The church was completely packed, and it's a pretty big church-- we actually had to have two separate dinner shifts, and the service lasted about two hours with people sharing stories about how Russ and Laurie made an impact on their lives. So many incredible stories. And then we sang their favorite hymns.

I can't even begin to describe how amazing they really are. I'm trying to put it into words, and I'm doing a terrible job! I guess all I'm really trying to say is that I've been truly blessed to have them both as role models and mentors throughout my life. They're basically everything I believe a person should be, and I wish all of you could meet them; even talking to them for five minutes is so uplifting and encouraging. I really don't know where I would be if they weren't a part of my life, and I hope that I can make even half as big of a positive impact on someone's life as they have made on mine. I'll miss them, very much.