I’m lousy with goodbyes. It’s true. So I think I’ll just thank people and tell a story. How about that? First, let me on behalf of my family thank Nancy Bryson, Maxine Chambless, Allaine Ridenour, and Carolyn Still for their work in providing a wonderful reception for us. Also, thanks to all the kind words of encouragement and prayer all of you had for us as we conclude this chapter of ministry and begin another. Thank you to Susannah Mize and Cameron Anderson for presenting that awesome memory album that so many of the youth worked on. I was surprised and touched, truly.

Thanks to all the adults and parents who have made the trips, events, and lessons be as stellar as they are. Thank you to all the youth who not only tolerated me but accepted me to be a part of your lives. It has been an honor to be even a small part in the shaping of who God is calling you to be. Thank you to the church at large who provided such a home for us and who will continue to be like family to us. And now the story!

I had to leave a church in seminary and I had cut off my long hair (yeah, I had long hair then too). But I still wore a hair-tie around my wrist and when I took it off, there was still a dent where the tie throttled. It left a mark. I explained that this church left a mark on my heart. So, church, even though my time is almost over, know that I am marked for having been here. I wear that mark proudly and I believe I