Top Ten List

In June, I announced to my congregation that I would be leaving in August. In the days that followed I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my five and a half years in this community. Many have assumed that I can't wait to leave Connersville and Fayette County. I am excited about going and following where God is calling me, but there will be some aspects that I will miss about Fayette County. I wanted to share with you my Top Ten List of What I will Miss About Fayette County.
10. Kick Ball League is unique to the area. It is a great way to teach sportsmanship while helping children learn to relate to one another. It is a fun league in which various ages play together. This is a true gem that my daughters will miss.
9. The Fayette County Ministerial Association is a wonderful group of churches and clergy who come together. The worship services are moving and remind the churches that we need to work together to share the Gospel Message.
8. We have lived in a variety of places both big and small, but I am amazed at how staff in restaurants and stores recognize people. It's not just the places that we go every week that remember us. Employees at restaurants that we go to once in a while remember us, call us by name and know what we drink. You don't feel like a stranger, but a friend that they are glad to see.
7. Christmas Light Display on Central Avenue is amazing. I love Christmas lights and driving around to see them. In December, I make sure to drive up and down Central to see the lights a few extra times. The lights just help me get in the festive mood.
6.The Fayette County Free Fair is one of a kind. I know of no place where you can attend the fair and park a car for free. There is a chance to see people in the community, but also see the talent of our young people with their 4-H projects.
5.Hope Pregnancy Care Center is a worthy cause in town. Young women AND men can go seeking help. While the center encourages abstinence, the center also talks to young women about adoption and the option of raising the child. There are parenting classes for moms and dad as well as a place to receive diapers and other baby supplies.
4.Lord's Table is a special place. My daughters go with me each month to help feed those who need a meal. While some think it is a rough part of town, the people who come for meals don't fit any mold. Some are older adults, some are school age children, some come by themselves, some come as families. My daughters have learned how to practice their faith while accepting people who just need a little bit of help and my daughters have been accepted for who they are.
3.Grandview Elementary School has been a fantastic place to learn. KD completed the 3rd grade and knows everyone in the building. Ellie completed Kindergarten. From teachers and staff who encourage the children to learn to students who have been a pleasure to be around. We have had a bus driver and aide who have instilled safety to my girls.
2. The Spirit of Charity is admirable. Even in the midst of hard times, people have been generous. It was evident at the Relay for Life as people gave to help support and remember those who have fought cancer. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, Family Video has worked with our church to distribute baskets to those in need. When I have lifted a concern in the community of people needing food or clothes, there has been a response. People want to give even when they themselves have so little.
1. People. We have met some wonderful people that we consider friends. We are fortunate to have Butch and Sue Bunzendahl as neighbors. They have adored our children and tried to treat us as they want to be treated. Many days after school, the girls would go to Brian's Bookstore for a snack. The group of men who are there around 3 pm, have loved talking and joking with them. We have met many people through Girl Scouts, 4-H, community events and church. The list of people we will miss could go on for a whole page.
Thank you for welcoming us in the community and making us feel at home. We will miss Connersville and Fayette County.