Retirement Party for Kay

The great expectations I had for Friday did not disappoint. I attended the retirement party for my dear friend and former co-worker, Kay, who served the ministry of June Hunt of Hope for the Heart for 32 years. Having worked closely with her and June in June's home for ten years I can state truthfully the two of them are the "real deal." Authentic. Genuine. Compassionate. Gracious. 

Kay's son had served in missions in China for two years and Kay visited him there and both have such a love for China. Therefore, the theme was Chinese and what a great job the decorator did with favors and table centerpieces. Japanese lanterns, fans, retire-mints, little Chinese takeout boxes. It was very well planned out.

Retirement: A New Mission

I suspect someday we will see and hear the lovely lady on the left 

as her voice is one of the most beautiful and anointed as I have ever heard.

Me with Kay in center and Jeanne on right

June presenting Kay with a beautiful scrapbook of memories from everyone.

Singing Great is Thy Faithfulness

Having the chance to be a part of the ministry of Hope for the Heart was the highlight of my working days. There were many days I thought I wouldn't make it, but knowing that the work done there continues on in the books and materials published by June and my having been a part of it is now a reward. (And my own little piece of encouragement here is that each time I see June, she never fails to tell me how much she appreciated me and valued the gift I had to her ministry. What an encouragement and privilege to hear that from someone I admire so much.)

I'm saving here my little note to dear Kay. 

We got off to a bit of a glitch when we arranged for my interview at a Starbucks Coffee Shop sometime around January, 2000. Both of us showed up ... just too bad we ended up at different locations. When we finally were able to communicate with each other as to where we needed to meet, all I could think about was that I had blown the whole thing and any chance of getting to work at Edelweiss! 

But no, from the very beginning, Kay was kind and forgiving, and, after interviewing with her and then June, I was accepted! The first couple of weeks were just a little scary as the Kay to work with seemed much different than the Kay I had interviewed with. I have to admit I was a little (maybe a lot) intimidated by her and wondered whether I had made a mistake. 

But, bottom line with Kay, over the years I learned that the "Kay exterior" was far different than the "Kay interior." She rescued me so many times, never gave up on me, and modeled to me in so many different ways servanthood, grace and forgiveness. I wish I had the words to describe my appreciation to you for putting others first. I cherish my friendship with you, Kay and want to congratulate you on your retirement and applaud your faithful service for the 32 years you cared for and ministered to not only June's needs, but others in need of wisdom or assistance in some way. You always made the time for whatever needed to be done or whoever needed a listening ear and words of wisdom. 

This is a day of celebration, not only for all you've accomplished but also for all the possibilities that are unfolding before you. Here's wishing you not only the exciting challenges but also beauty, laughter, and deep contentment. I love you, Connie 

In truth, my working at HFTH was not a mistake, but a gift from God and the way He worked it out for me was truly a great answer to prayer and a step of faith on both my part and my DH.