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Kate's Epiphany Epistle

I can’t believe 2009 is over. It has truly been a busy year for me. I started it off by attending an immersion experience class that spent 15 days touring Kentucky’s Appalachia looking at the issues of faith, health and economics. Headed up by Pacific School of Religion this was a truly beautiful experience. I learned so much about an area that was only 2 hours away from where I was residing. I also meet many new people and am blessed to have been touched by the PSR community and faculty.

In May I completed my last on site classes for Lexington Theological Seminary and in June started my Clinical Pastoral Education course at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington. It was a busy and challenging 11 weeks, but the 5 other classmates and I became a family. Although we may have wanted to kill each other at times, we pushed each other and I believe we’re all better people now because of the experience. I know that my ministry will be forever shaped by the people I meet and ministered with.

After 9 great years I left Lexington and returned to Des Moines, IA. I was ordained September 26 at my home congregation, Capitol Hill Christian Church (DOC). This was a milestone that at times I thought I would never reach. The journey to that moment was one that has made me a stronger person. And although I may not have enjoyed every moment in the process I can see how much I have learned and am thankful to know God in new ways.

I now work for Mosaic, a non-for-profit agency that works with adults with various levels of mental retardation. I have roughly 10 clients I work with in 3 different homes. I help teach my clients how to live independently and to gain skills so they can eventually go to hourly assistance and maybe live independently. I’ve been fortunate to work on my bowling, although I still bowl around 120 with bumpers, and my karaoke skills with my clients.

I’ve also moved back home with my parents. This has been quite the experience learning to live with other people again and in particular my parents. My brother Robert has also moved back home. The house has been remodeled so it better fits the needs of both my parents and I am glad that the banging and pounding of work has finished. I’m also learning what cold is again with 3 snowfalls already.

As I look to 2010 I can’t wait to return to Lexington in May to officially receive my diploma. I’m also hoping to finish my search and call process and to be called to a church. I plan on search nationwide and am excited at the possibility of seeing a new part of the country.

As you prepare for 2010, I wish you all of the best and thank you for your continued love and support.

Peace and Blessings in the new year,
Kate
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