Last October a chapter in my life closed and a new adventure began. What a great party for my retirement. It was a celebration not only of my time with Kentucky WMU, but also of finishing well and welcoming Liz Encinia as the new leader. I am excited about her leadership and all that I see about Kentucky WMU work.

My adventure began with setting up our house in Summerville, SC. We bought a home about a 30 minute or so drive from our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Our intent was to be available to help as needed. We have enjoyed every minute!

The biggest tasks for setting up our house are complete. Like any homeowner, I have a running list of things that I would like to do as time and funds permit, but for the most part, we are settled. We joined Summerville Baptist Church and have gotten involved quickly. I am helping with Girls in Action and English as a Second Language. I also sing in both the senior adult choir and the church choir.

National WMU has asked me to serve as a volunteer consultant and given me the title WMU Churchwide and Associational Lead Strategist. I now have an email address at WMU and have been doing some writing. Look for articles in the 2019-20 Missions Leader Planning Guide which will be released soon.

I had cataract surgery in January and now can do life without glasses. I am seeing the best that I have in years! We’ve made the rounds of getting set up with new doctors and finding our way in a new place. There are lots of interesting places to explore and when company comes, we are enjoying taking them to places that are new to us, too.

My friend Dick Bodenhamer did a blog for the WMU Foundation (A Time to Invest: Q & A On Retirement) and mused that when you are retired, you have a target on your back. Everyone is looking for your help now that you have more time. All who know me well, know that I would find plenty to do. I have prayed often that I did not want to get ahead of God in finding my place, but also did not want to lag behind. This is still my prayer.

Kentucky WMU is allowing me to keep this blog and I have decided to keep writing when there are reflections to share. More to come on this new adventure!