Friday, June 29, 2018
Dear Friends,
Surprise! It’s me, Michelle, writing to you for ‘This Week’ as a final farewell to my Trinity family as Heather enjoys some vacation time with her own family. When I considered what I would write to you, I thought back to all of the memories we have shared. I have truly been blessed to be a part of this community, and I wanted to reflect on some of my most treasured experiences with the children and youth during my time here.
Right from the beginning, I was welcomed in with open arms. I immediately connected with the lovely young people we have in our congregation, and week after week they put smiles on my face and warmed my heart with their wisdom and enthusiasm. I was so impressed to see how children of all ages interacted with each other, always willing to lend a helping hand and to share their lives with their church family. Our children naturally want to spread kindness as well, whether it is by sharing the joy of the Christmas season at Albright Manor or even inviting friends to partake in Sunday School so they can see what we are all about. This congregation has demonstrated its dedication to the education of our children through fun programming such as Vacation Bible School, which has received rave reviews and is looking like it will be an amazing experience this summer once again! And to top it all off, the wonderful children and youth took part in such a touching goodbye service for me that made it very difficult to leave Cave Springs Camp after festivities had ended. All of my goodies and well-wishes will truly be treasured, and I happily bragged to friends and family about what kind individuals you all are. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Looking ahead to the future, John-Luke and I are so excited about our upcoming adventure together! As we move through life as a married couple living in a new country, we will often think about our loved ones and hold them in our hearts as the two of us do life together. John-Luke has a wonderful new career opportunity ahead of him, and we can already tell that the congregation of St. Bartholomew will welcome us with open arms. As for me, I’m not sure where my career will take me, but I know that everything I have learned along the way will help me continue to be a loving teacher and mother once we start a family. I hope that my children are as compassionate and intelligent as the ones in our congregation, and that they continue to seek out new opportunities for growth like John-Luke and I are doing now. So I wish you peace, love, and happiness, and may you continue to create wonderful memories with your Trinity family. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
With love to you all,
Michelle & John-Luke