My heart is full as I write to say thank you for 16 years of being part of this community and more than eight years of being blessed to serve on staff.  I am grateful to God for the daily miracles and good work that He has done through all of us.  I am grateful for Fr. Dan’s kindness, wisdom and vision...for his way of being what he challenges us all to be—the presence of Christ to each other.  I am grateful to have worked with an amazing group of people—all hard-working, faith-filled people, who share their gifts and talents in service to all of us.  And I am grateful to so many of you: my CHRP sisters; friends I have worked with in ministries; Friends of REAP, the Baking Club, CARITAS, Richmond Friends of the Homeless, Prison Ministry, Respect Life, Appalachia, and so many more.  And I am very grateful for the treasure of my Walking With Purpose ladies. 
 
I also want to thank Juanita Walker for two gifts she has given me.  I hope that by sharing, you will receive the same gifts.  The first is Juanita's encouragement to focus on gratitude—to take time each day to write down what you grateful for—to notice—to reflect on God's blessings.  I thought I did that, but when I made that my focus, when I kept a gratitude journal, it changed everything.   The other gift Juanita shared was her love for the writings of Macrina Weiderkehr.  I share with you one of my favorites (where I think she's speaking to each of us). 
 
   
Together, we have been blessed to serve. God has done good things through us.  And there is more to be done.  I am grateful to have been part of this community.  I will hold you in my heart and prayers, always.  And I will be back to visit.
 
A few dear friends have created an opportunity for us to glorify God and celebrate His goodness together.  I hope you can join us.  It is going to be a special evening, even more special if you are there.  Praise God and thank you!
   
Love and prayers,
Karen