Aggie at home in Texas

Packing

We are beginning to pack and finding all kinds of lost treasures. So far I have 4 wardrobe size boxes filled with baskets!

Goodbye St. Stephen's

May 17, 2007

Dear St. Stephen's Families:

The time has come for Kennon and me to say goodbye. There still remain some important school events these next few days, but those are times when we had hoped that the light would shine on students, especially the 8th graders and the graduating Class of 2007. And so, this last e-letter and a chapel talk earlier today will include our farewell and a deeply-felt thank you. I'll be brief. Goodbyes are hard.

We all have learned so much here at St. Stephen's. I have learned that this is not what is permanent... that temporary is the stuff of life. I have learned how quickly our young students get older... and how short a while five years is. I have learned that there won't be enough time to "get it all done -" the plans we've made, all the things I wanted to say to you, the next big project. But there's something reassuring in understanding this - maybe it's God's way of letting us know that we were never meant to single-handedly save the world, or keep the School aloft, or keep the planet spinning.

We're meant to live and work together in the Spirit. We are reminded of that every day, because we are an Episcopal school and we gather here in the chapel nearly every day to pay attention to our spiritual life. And what we're also meant to do, I think, is to fill some temporary slot, to give off a little light for a while if we can, and then to move on, or lie down. I am comfortable with that - being one of many voices, neither the wisest nor the best - but mine, and as fairly close to good as I can make it. That is my hope for you too.

And so, Kennon and I will take our leave during the first week of June - our hearts are filled with memories and gratitude. We give deep thanks for being here with you for a little while. I give thanks for what our students and teachers have accomplished together and for what our students have become. They are growing into adults whose lives will be examples to others and whose deeds will bring God's love to this world. I delight in the knowledge that they are willing to go beyond what is safe and popular, to do what is right and just and life-giving.

I ask your forgiveness for where I have fallen short, for the mistakes I have made, and when I have hurt others. I value the lasting relationships our teachers and I have formed with so many students. And, ultimately, credit will always go to my exceptional teaching colleagues - both the faculty and the staff - who are the very foundation upon which this school is built.

As Kennon and I move to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and try to serve and learn from our friends in Haiti, we will carry you all in our hearts - always.

And very soon now there is something new and exciting for St. Stephen's. Just a short time ago Bob and Sue Kirkpatrick were going about their business completely unaware that God had this wonderful opportunity in store for them. But they were called, and they accepted that call, and now you will help them take their place in St. Stephen's continuing story. We all can feel it already - our School will be in very, very good hands: theirs and yours.

I have difficulty with goodbyes. And so, I will stop now. God bless you. I promise to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Faithfully,

Roger Bowen,
Head of School