Thursday, September 19, 2019
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
July & August in Florida 2019 Summary
MEDICAL TESTING - Good News
In follow-up to a previous report indicating "Suspicious abnormalities" with specific locations and dimensions... a new mammogram and ultrasound in Florida with magnification yielded a July 2nd call from surgeon confirming no cancer recurrence - PTL!
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Shared @ Friends Community Church, OrlandoIt was my privilege to share a PowerPoint with many photos and details of my educational missions work and thank this church for their prayer and financial partnership. Of course I focused on my Philippines assignment as School Librarian at Faith International Academy.
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Storage Unit Pruning...HUGE TaskMy furniture, kitchen appliances, cookware, dishes, etc. found new homes before I left for the foreign mission field. Boxed contents of multiple file cabinets and containers of puppets went into a storage unit.Thanks, Marsha, for dealing with this situation when I lost the race against the clock before leaving for Cameroon.
In transition to retirement and moving to Kentucky, it has been a humongous task to deal with books, files, visuals, props...remaining from more than four decades of children's ministry leadership, more than three decades of youth services librarianship, many years tax returns' supporting materials plus more. I had a number of offers of help, but felt a need to make the decision on various papers and folders myself. I was glad to have a minister take five boxes to share, gave several boxes of puppets and resources to my cousin's wife - principal of a Christian School, Marsha passed several boxes to the new children's minister at her church. I cherish being able to pass on resources to where they can have new life and benefit.
With a hectic schedule going in many directions, I did not get my lifetime collection of files completely cleared when hurricane Dorian was headed for the Orlando area nor have room in my car to take all to Kentucky I wanted to keep, was certainly NOT confident about pulling even a small U-haul. I concluded that January or February might be a good time to return to Florida for the remainder of my boxes + wooden ventriloquist puppets. Thank You, Jim and Yvonne, for letting David, Dorothy, and Grandma Gracie stay at your residence for years.
AARP Smart Driver Online Coursehttps://www.aarpdriversafety.org/?cmp=EMC-DSM-TRG-DSP-ADS-CC17
An annoying challenge in my re-entry to life in the U.S. after six years in Cameroon and the Philippines with no car was getting back in the hang of driving. My embarrassing lack of confidence with driving was increased by jet lag ("temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones" - Mayo Clinic), sleep deprivation from multiple tasks with wrapping up things at my Filipino home and the library; worsening glaucoma; tiredness and brain fog from sleep disorder (upper respiratory resistance syndrome). I felt like a zombie at times.
A friend's eye doctor told me my sight was well able for driving. Several individuals taking me practice driving was much appreciated. I was grateful for the opportunity to take this four-hour Smart Driver online course via AARP. Sure enough, when I did purchase a car, having completed this course lowered my auto insurance.
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Car Purchase
What to buy? I concluded that since I was well served by a Honda CR-V in the past (only new car I ever purchased and I drove it for 10 years), that would likely be a good choice again. I bought a dark gray 2012 Honda CR-V in Sanford at AutoNation, recommended by several friends. It was a blessing to work with Jake, a Christian salesman in Sanford whose mother had done some missions work in Russia.
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Visits
A special and enjoyable part of furlough is that of reconnecting with friends and ministry partners. So good to catch up with folks' joys and challenges, pray together, and thank them for their partnership. I did not get to personally see everyone I wanted to, nor will I in some other states... so I am very grateful for Skype and the U.S. mail for sending Filipino mementos (yet to come).
I saw MANY people in Orlando including in a nursing home plus I traveled to Titusville and Lake Wales. Such fun to hang out / play a game on floor with young children, learn more about hobbies and see collections, catch up on careers or retirement activities and family members. I was glad to pass on educational resources for extended use.
A special and enjoyable part of furlough is that of reconnecting with friends and ministry partners. So good to catch up with folks' joys and challenges, pray together, and thank them for their partnership. I did not get to personally see everyone I wanted to, nor will I in some other states... so I am very grateful for Skype and the U.S. mail for sending Filipino mementos (yet to come).
I saw MANY people in Orlando including in a nursing home plus I traveled to Titusville and Lake Wales. Such fun to hang out / play a game on floor with young children, learn more about hobbies and see collections, catch up on careers or retirement activities and family members. I was glad to pass on educational resources for extended use.The Wycliffe Connection (TWC): July 15-19
The Wycliffe Connection is designed to encourage and equip missionaries as we return to the States from the field. The goal is to provide a caring environment for dealing with re-entry issues, to celebrate how God is using us and to assist us as we connect with the people and services we will need while on furlough or making a change of assignment.
I consider it educational, encouraging, refreshing, renewing, and fun to connect with other missionaries.
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| Each family / individual choose an item from a collection of props that relates to us to help introduce ourselves. I chose a flower because my philosophy of life is "Bloom Where You Are Planted". I thank God for many ways to do that beyond my immediate school librarian assignment in both Cameroon and Philippines - esp. in children's ministry and outreach in my neighborhood. |
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| "Sharing Stories: Each couple or single shared highlights / challenges of our missionary service. I told and showed a photo of God'd mighty protection - in Cameroon I stood back behind the vehicle onto which the top of a tree fell 30 seconds before the tree came down. |
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| At the weekly EnterMission time of worship and speakers at Wycliffe USA in Orlando, a TWC participant sat at a round table. We shared a brief summary of our last assignment, prayer concerns, then folks at the table prayed for us. |
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| This is one of many informative group sessions. |
Library Friends Luncheon
I received a warm welcome back and happy retirement greetings from library staff with whom I had worked at the Lake Mary Branch of the Seminole County Public Library. Thanks friends for the retirement cards and gift cards/cash! They were proud of my librarianship abroad.
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Former Orlando First Church of God
Bi-Monthly Luncheon and Retirement Celebration
It was a delight to be able to attend the August bi-monthly luncheon with friends from the former Orlando First Church of God where I was Children's Minister for 14+ years and served in various other capacities. They hit a record of 29 people at the luncheon. So many fond members including taking youngsters to many nursing home visits, dozens of children's messages with congregation, "sermons in a sack"...once with live critters (baby guinea pigs).
Thanks for your special written greetings, gift, cake and smiley balloon. I so appreciate your warm welcome back from educational missions via Wycliffe Bible Translators - Cameroon / 6,278 and Philippines /9,396 miles away. The fellowship was a blessing.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
June 2019 Summary
Kangaroo
Book Club
After the June 1st storytime, I was given a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the group by Mrs. Bae and handed roses by this little girl. The children and KBC staff had practiced and sang together "Thank You Once Again" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyclyboAj4A) to me. Yes...I needed tissues during the song. What a heart warming sendoff!
THANK YOU God for the opportunities to touch precious young lives for you with character building literature, to share your Word...and to model / train others in storytelling via the "Kangaroo Book Club" storytimes and workshops.
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One of my all-time favs The Little Red Hen, retold by Paul Galdone, this time with children as hen,
dog, cat, mouse plus the usual participation (joining in repeating lines) The
last page of this particular version illustrates the work ethic message very
well. The related scripture was Proverbs
12:14 - "Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
"
We
dramatized The Turnip by Harriet Ziefert with props. I commented
on the value of teamwork and shared Eccles. 4:9 - "Two are
better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor."
A favorite story from Cameroon and
Florida
storytimes is Who Took the Farmer's Hat? by Joan Nodset. This story IMHO beautifully
illustrates Philippians 2:4 - "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
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Up,
Up, and Away!
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| Children diligently color my little farewell gift F.R.O.G. puzzle, Fully Rely On God |
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| June 1 CRAFTS: paper frog (accordion fold legs and roll-out tongue) plus F.R.O.G. puzzle |
THANK YOU God for the opportunities to touch precious young lives for you with character building literature, to share your Word...and to model / train others in storytelling via the "Kangaroo Book Club" storytimes and workshops.
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June
FIA SUMMER Storytime
It was
my privilege to lead students in lots of participation/props stories on June 17 at Faith International Academy,
relating a scripture to each. I had anticipated preschool – 2nd
grade, but was delighted to have some other students join in, even a fifth
grade grad. Glad to have several dozen persons of all ages each Monday in June before I left, in the
Elementary-Middle School library…off to a great summer start. Thanks to Amy
Seidlitz and family for carrying on this summer and to Cita Taylor for substituting
with checkout for two weeks.
With an older of version Whose Feet? children guessed what animal’s
feet were pictured and details of the uniqueness and usefulness of those feet
for that animal was summarized. IMHO, the phrase "fearfully and wonderfully made" from Psalms 139:14 describes critters as well as humans - a celebration of God's creation.
storytimes is Who Took the Farmer's Hat? by Joan Nodset. This story IMHO beautifully
illustrates Philippians 2:4 - "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
An action song halfway through
the story program was “Fruit Salad” by
the Wiggles. We tossed around small soft stuffed fruit. I asked the children to please not do this at home with real fruit!
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Despedidas
(farewell gatherings)
Included were:
-Korean Buffett luncheon with Jae and Sandy Bae, leaders
of the Kangaroo Book Club and Marla
W who also helps lead KBC annual workshops.
-Fellowship @ the Green Coffee with Blessy S., a medical
student from my church, graduating this summer and returning to India. It
was an honor to be asked for my best advice.
- Esther Care
Group potluck in our room at Christ Fellowship Church.
- Meals with friends Marla and Anna.
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PACKING
and PRUNING, Weighing, Packing and Pruning
NO pictures – it was messy as is normal for this process! This was the hard part. Two 50-pound suitcases, one
15-pound carry-on. A week before departure, my clothes were out of my closet.
Had help at the end with the final packing and
weighing. Thank you to those who assisted with this final process and to my housemate Naomi who took a suitcase of my belongings to the U.S. when she went back for summer medical appointments.
I left behind more than I had hoped to squeeze in, but was able to be
a blessing to number of folks involved in ministry who distribute to needy,
leaders of the KBC, and leave more than planned for my housemate and her new
housemate plus a few others. I felt God had instructed my heart many times - "Be a blessing."
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Up,
Up, and Away!
My Korean Kangaroo Book Club colleagues took me to the airport.
Thankful for an uneventful trip – to Manila, Tokyo, Detroit, and Orlando.
I thank God for the airport pickup, and hospitality that included
driving refresher lessons by decades old family friend Linda. Praise God also for two weeks of hospitality with decades old friends Bonita and Wayne. I so enjoyed worshiping in both of their churches.
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June
included much coughing…sinus bug, bronchial rattling, near pneumonia, but
thankful to have gotten through it. Various other challenges also.
I am so very grateful for the many kinds of opportunities to share God's Word, support Bible translation and varied other ministries of missionary families...plus particular opportunities to do life and minister with Filipinos also.
On to reconnecting in the U.S. and many THANK YOU's.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Farewell Celebrations
SIL Retirement Reception
At my SIL Retirement Reception on May 2, Cindy Groening read these meaningful scriptures:
Isaiah 46:4 - Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Psalm 71:17, 18 - 17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
In the top photo above I am being presented this certificate of appreciation from Philippines SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics, arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators) Director Tammy Ruch by Brian Schwartz. I was asked to briefly share my plans after leaving Philippines June 20.
On the agenda: I have plane ticket to Orlando where I plan to visit supporters, long-time friends, and clean out a storage unit of books, files, and puppets. Then on to visit supporters in central Kentucky and settle there near my two sisters (maybe Winchester ?). I strongly feel called to take writing off back burner and create character building children's books and other; plus I am praying about possibly assisting again with Perspectives courses.
I humbly seek God's leading for this next season of my life. I am painfully aware that calls for slowing down drastically as I currently struggle with keeping up with responsibilities, commitments and mobility, plus dealing with upper airway resistance syndrome and poor sleep efficiency.
On the agenda: I have plane ticket to Orlando where I plan to visit supporters, long-time friends, and clean out a storage unit of books, files, and puppets. Then on to visit supporters in central Kentucky and settle there near my two sisters (maybe Winchester ?). I strongly feel called to take writing off back burner and create character building children's books and other; plus I am praying about possibly assisting again with Perspectives courses.
I humbly seek God's leading for this next season of my life. I am painfully aware that calls for slowing down drastically as I currently struggle with keeping up with responsibilities, commitments and mobility, plus dealing with upper airway resistance syndrome and poor sleep efficiency.
Yours truly was one of two speakers at our regular monthly SIL meeting in May. I shared a PowerPoint summary "Journey in Educational Missions" that encompassed a very brief overview of my ministry in Cameroon, West Africa plus details and pictures of my educational missions work in the Philippines - both official FIA Librarian assignment and outreach ministries that are dear to my heart.
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FIA Despedida - May 2019
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| With Rachel Hulland, co-head of school. |
In any culture new to a person, there are new words to be understood and used. It has taken me a while to learn to spell "despedida" from memory, but I finally have it now. An online definition: "noun. Philippine English. More fully "Despedida party." A social event honouring someone who is about to depart on a journey or leave an organization; a going-away party."
On May 21, Faith International Academy hosted a despedida honoring a number of us leaving - some of us for new seasons of life and others for furlough. Those of us leaving were blessed with a lovely bouquet of flowers; all missionary teachers received an end-of-year gift of appreciation.
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Kangaroo Book Club - Storytime
June 1 was my last neighborhood storytime with this book ministry. I cherish the interactions I have with children in my neighborhood, the freedom I have to relate scripture to the character building books that I share and to invite youngsters to make Jesus #1 in their lives. It's special when children on the street wave to me, calling "Hello Teacher." Please pray with me for the Baes and this ministry, that the scriptures and character stories take root and remain in the precious young hearts. The Kangaroo Book Club was dear to my heart, one of the highlights of my service in Davao City.
After the June 1 storytime, I was given a certificate of appreciation and roses. The children and KBC staff had practiced and sang together "Thank You Once Again" me. Yes...I needed kleenex.
THANK YOU God for the opportunities to touch precious young lives for you, with your Word... and to model/train others in storytelling via the Kangaroo Book Club storytimes and workshops.
On May 21, Faith International Academy hosted a despedida honoring a number of us leaving - some of us for new seasons of life and others for furlough. Those of us leaving were blessed with a lovely bouquet of flowers; all missionary teachers received an end-of-year gift of appreciation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Kangaroo Book Club - Storytime
June 1 was my last neighborhood storytime with this book ministry. I cherish the interactions I have with children in my neighborhood, the freedom I have to relate scripture to the character building books that I share and to invite youngsters to make Jesus #1 in their lives. It's special when children on the street wave to me, calling "Hello Teacher." Please pray with me for the Baes and this ministry, that the scriptures and character stories take root and remain in the precious young hearts. The Kangaroo Book Club was dear to my heart, one of the highlights of my service in Davao City.
After the June 1 storytime, I was given a certificate of appreciation and roses. The children and KBC staff had practiced and sang together "Thank You Once Again" me. Yes...I needed kleenex.
THANK YOU God for the opportunities to touch precious young lives for you, with your Word... and to model/train others in storytelling via the Kangaroo Book Club storytimes and workshops.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Esther Care Group Despedida - Christ Fellowship Church, Davao City, Philippines
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May 2019 Summary
Farewell to 2018-2019 Elementary Classes
It has been my privilege to usually have each of these grades in the library twice each week for literature enrichment, library skills, and resource check-out. My prayers go forward with you, asking God for His blessings on each aspect of your lives, and for you to continually grow in your relationship with Him.
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It has been my privilege to usually have each of these grades in the library twice each week for literature enrichment, library skills, and resource check-out. My prayers go forward with you, asking God for His blessings on each aspect of your lives, and for you to continually grow in your relationship with Him.
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| Grade 1 |
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| Grade 2 |
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| Grade 3 |
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| Grade 4 |
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| Grade 5 |
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Kangaroo Book Club Storytime
At our May 4 Kangaroo Book Club Storytime, my anchor book topic and craft was lighthouses. First shared was The Little Rock Light by Oakley Graham which illustrated steadfastness, enduring the worst circumstances, and the comfort of homecoming. I showed some pictures and summarized the biography, Keep the Lights Burning Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop.
We did a lighthouse craft from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/428053139562460648/.
I summarized a new favorite book, The Bear that Heard Crying by Natahie Kinsey-Warbock. In this dramatic retelling of a true story from June 1793, a three year old girl wondered off into the woods and was lost for four days when a stranger led desperate family to a pine tree beneath which the child was lying. Sarah told rescuers of the "big black dog" that kept her warm each night...but the bear tracks encircling her tell a different tale.
The book If You're Happy and You Know It gives a good variety of action verses for this familiar action song.
Our puppet (hen, dog, cat, mouse) and participation (joining in repeating lines) story this month was a long-time favorite (when retiring from30+ years of librarianship, one has many favs) The Little Red Hen, retold by Paul Galdone. The last page of this particular version illustrates the message sooo well. The related scripture was Proverbs 12:14 - "Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. "
At our May 4 Kangaroo Book Club Storytime, my anchor book topic and craft was lighthouses. First shared was The Little Rock Light by Oakley Graham which illustrated steadfastness, enduring the worst circumstances, and the comfort of homecoming. I showed some pictures and summarized the biography, Keep the Lights Burning Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop. We did a lighthouse craft from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/428053139562460648/.
The Aesop fable, "The Stork and the Fox" showed characters choosing NOT following the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12 - Treat others as you want them to treat you.
I summarized a new favorite book, The Bear that Heard Crying by Natahie Kinsey-Warbock. In this dramatic retelling of a true story from June 1793, a three year old girl wondered off into the woods and was lost for four days when a stranger led desperate family to a pine tree beneath which the child was lying. Sarah told rescuers of the "big black dog" that kept her warm each night...but the bear tracks encircling her tell a different tale.
The book If You're Happy and You Know It gives a good variety of action verses for this familiar action song.
Our puppet (hen, dog, cat, mouse) and participation (joining in repeating lines) story this month was a long-time favorite (when retiring from30+ years of librarianship, one has many favs) The Little Red Hen, retold by Paul Galdone. The last page of this particular version illustrates the message sooo well. The related scripture was Proverbs 12:14 - "Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards. "
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
FIA Elementary Chapel: May
"David" helped review FIA's school year's theme verse: Colossians 1:10 - ...walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
I shared a special Bible Coloring Book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdorziC1_A&+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=twnFzmcVn84&https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=UxhRiDBwuYI ) that revealed blank pages, then black and white line Bible drawings, and finally Biblical story drawings in full color. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
A "Noah Gag Bag" (keep turning it inside out to reveal fabric representing another key part of the story) was used to connect back to our annual theme verse. "Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9b NKJV. Noah loved and obeyed God when others chose not. Inside the inner zipper pocket of the bag I had felt feet - to challenge each of us to continually walk with God.
Lastly, I invited several students to join me in cutting a piece of computer paper to allow half a dozen student to step through the center of the paper. This a favorite paper cut to illustrate Philippians 4:13. As I suspected, it takes more time than a simple cut-along instructions to master this more challenging than it looks paper cut. I invited interested students to come to the library after school for more time and detailed instructions.
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
See "Farewell Celebrations" blog post for more May happenings.
"David" helped review FIA's school year's theme verse: Colossians 1:10 - ...walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
I shared a special Bible Coloring Book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdorziC1_A&+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=twnFzmcVn84&https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=UxhRiDBwuYI ) that revealed blank pages, then black and white line Bible drawings, and finally Biblical story drawings in full color. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
A "Noah Gag Bag" (keep turning it inside out to reveal fabric representing another key part of the story) was used to connect back to our annual theme verse. "Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9b NKJV. Noah loved and obeyed God when others chose not. Inside the inner zipper pocket of the bag I had felt feet - to challenge each of us to continually walk with God.
Lastly, I invited several students to join me in cutting a piece of computer paper to allow half a dozen student to step through the center of the paper. This a favorite paper cut to illustrate Philippians 4:13. As I suspected, it takes more time than a simple cut-along instructions to master this more challenging than it looks paper cut. I invited interested students to come to the library after school for more time and detailed instructions.
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
See "Farewell Celebrations" blog post for more May happenings.
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