One year ago today my husband and I were packing for a weekend get-a-way to celebrate our wedding anniversary (May 11). We had hoped to leave at noon. That was the plan until I received a call from Ky Stolzfus, chair of the Pastoral Transitions Committee at Rainbow. “Would you accept our invitation to be the pastoral candidate at RMC?,” he asked. And then he added something about wanting to announce it at Rainbow the following Sunday. I think I stopped breathing. Good thing Ky is a doctor.

Needless to say Jesse and I didn’t leave town at noon like we had planned. However, we did get some time away and there were many, long moments of silence during that car ride. It wasn’t a bad silence. Rather, it was the kind of silence that is the only response when faced with such a big decision and potential life change.

This morning I am again filled with such silence as I look back on this past year. So much has changed. So much was left behind and yet so much is here. Praise God I have not stopped breathing. In fact, I think we have found some sort of rhythm here in Kansas City and we have so many people to thank for that. This includes the Pastoral Transitions Committee and their significant others who endured many nights without them during those LONG meetings. Jesse and I are looking forward to hosting this group for supper on Sunday, June 1.

I’m glad to be here Rainbow. And yes, Jesse and I will find a way to celebrate on Sunday for our 12th wedding anniversary. That is, assuming Ky doesn’t call with other news between now and then.

The table  at Gail Goeke’s office where I had my first face-to-face interview with the Pastoral Transitions Committee. Don’t worry, I didn’t make this gesture during the interview, nor did I wear a purple sweatshirt to the interview.