My Dear Ones,
Please accept my apology for my recent, low column production, whether in The Forum or in my separate Keeping the Faith message. While I am getting better at slowing down and doing more that feeds my heart, I am still not able to get everything on my to-do list or in my email inbox done. As a people person, I tend to prioritize visits and meetings over writing and paperwork, which obviously has its drawbacks.
However, in this time of great change for our congregation, I want to be more present with you, especially those of you who I don’t interact with often.
One way that I’ve already been working to do that is by restarting my monthly Coffee with the Minister session. Before COVID shook up our lives, I used to invite congregants to get to know me better by answering questions over a beverage (coffee, tea, water, or even a protein smoothie). Since Sundays have become packed with events before and after worship, I now host Coffee With The Minister on the 4th Saturday of the month at 10:30 AM via Zoom so our congregants who participate from home can participate fully. My next session is April 27th. I hope you will join me—-pajamas are welcome!
I also would like to update you on some of the things happening in my personal life, which also is in a period of transition. Some of you may know that my husband, Ivers, and I separated in 2022. For the majority of our separation, we both worked hard to resolve our differences, including attending marital counseling for a year. Unfortunately, our core beliefs and goals were ultimately too different to reconcile. We still love and care for one another but cannot share a lifeboat anymore. I did not make any public statements about our separation because Ivers’ immigration visa was based on our marriage and I didn’t want to jeopardize his safety. We expect our divorce to be final in May. While I took this very hard at the time of our separation, I really feel this is the best thing for both of us. So please don’t worry about me.
On a happier note, Matt is graduating from high school June 12th. He is a virtual (remote) student of a democratic, student-led private school in Southern California. So we’ll be flying to Santa Ana, CA for his graduation festivities. He’s going to take a gap year (or two) to do some volunteering, take the SAT, look at schools, and work on his “adulting” skills. We will have a graduation party for him at MVUUF before the end of June and all are welcomed and encouraged.
Finally, I will be mostly off for the next two weeks (April 8th-21st), with the exception of some meetings I was not able to reschedule. I’ll be using this time to recharge a bit and prepare my house for sale. I hope to have it on the market by June 1st. I would like to find a townhouse/condo (goodbye yard work), but I may have to rent for a few months between the sale of my house and new purchase. Don’t worry about being asked to lift furniture or boxes—I promise to hire a moving company, hehe.
Of all the things that are changing in my life right now, I am incredibly grateful that you all—this faith community—are constants in my life. I cannot fully express my gratitude for the love you have given me, my son, my mother, my husband, and even my kitty. Thank you for becoming my home.
I pray for your health, growth, and flourishing.
With love and gratitude,
Kellie