And from the book, The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse comes this quote: “Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not your weakness.”
I am writing to advise you that I will be stepping down from my position as Executive Director of the North Country Mission of Hope by August 15, 2022.
So, while I know this is the right time, it is still very painful and difficult. Many tears have fallen in recent days and while I would have preferred to contact each of you personally, that is impossible given that there are far more than a thousand readers on this news and notes link. So, please accept this as the next best option.
As most of you know, I’ve really been handling 2 ministries for the past 3 years, i.e., the Mission…and the care of Sr. Stephanie. In addition, my beloved mother died at the beginning of COVID in March of 2020 as well as my very dear friend and mentor, Sr. Pauline Plante…just 12 days apart. Then, within the last year, my wonderful stepmother died of COVID, my favorite aunt and uncle died of COVID, and I had to close a house after 16 years and move. Add to that, the struggle of our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, Ukraine, Venezuela and other places the Mission supports, and there is much to pray about and process.
Now, within the past 2 months, I’ve been diagnosed with the return of breast cancer, had a mastectomy, and now am recovering and awaiting the next step of my care plan and treatment. And as you well know, Sr. Steph has almost died twice during the same time frame and faces difficult challenges daily as she battles various infections and health challenges. (Shared with her permission)
The above is more than enough to precipitate letting go of the Mission of Hope ministry as Executive Director, and while there is no perfect time, the time is now for me to conclude my Mission of Hope formal ministry after almost 24 years. My passion for the Mission and ministry of serving those most marginalized has not lessened, but my capacity, my health, and my energy have diminished. It is time for new blood to take the Mission to the next phase of its service and it’s time for me to heal, and to focus on my ministry of care for Sr. Steph and myself.
Yes, leaving my position will be one more major grieving challenge, but after months of discernment and prayer, I know it’s time. We will get through this together.
Please be assured that the Mission remains near and dear to my heart and I hope you will continue your incredible support for the Mission of Hope. You are the lifeblood of the Mission. I am NOT abandoning the Mission. Rather, I am changing my role from Executive Director and Co-founder to that of volunteer and consultant. I will continue to strive being a voice for justice and compassion.
I fully intend to volunteer my “passion” for the Mission of Hope as/when I can. I’m also contemplating some sort of podcast series wherein I will share the heart of the Mission, its early history and how being connected with the Mission has helped shape who I am and who we are. I firmly believe that I did not “found the Mission”. Rather, through God’s infinite and yet personal plans, “the Mission found me”!
And who knows, I may get back to finishing the book of Hope reflections I started a few years ago….a book based on mission experiences and how it intersects with my story and spirituality as a Dominican Sister of Hope. If I’m ever successful at completing the book, you will know!
Now, one practical aspect of this decision….I know and am grateful that many of you appreciate my news and notes, and especially my reflections and thoughts for the week. While “how” that will continue is not yet finalized, I am most open to continuing those reflections if you are interested in them.
I have two requests of you. First, please remain faithful in your support of the Mission of Hope. There are still hungry children to feed, sick poor who need our clinic, children longing for education, homeless who need shelter, families in need of potable water, and safety. There will always be disasters that need our Mission response. Any legacy the Mission has is because of you and your generosity through prayer, financial support and volunteering. Second, I welcome you to stay in touch with me personally. I value that immensely and this will remain my personal email…
dshope2@charter.net.
While you will continue to hear from me in the weeks leading up to Aug 15th, I suspect this may be the most difficult email I will write during that time frame. And….you know how to find me!
Let us continue in HOPE,
Sr. Debbie
