Holy Cross Family,

I wanted to use my last blog post to be a letter of thanksgiving: to the Lord, to you, and to the community around our church that has made the last few years so formative for me.

As you may have already heard, I have taken a position at a secondary school here in Dallas where I am on staff as a Spanish teacher. The journey that led me to become a teacher was a long one, but Francisco and I know that this is exactly where the Lord would have me in this season of our lives. As excited as I am to begin this new era, though, it is SO bittersweet! Holy Cross will continue to be the Armendariz church home, but nonetheless, the sadness comes at leaving the day-to-day of being in this office.

I was originally welcomed onto staff around Christmastime, a member of another church and new to Texas and this part of DFW. I remember the excitement of that time and how kind all of you were to me as I learned your names (on paper) from the office side – and then later, as a member of Holy Cross (!) your faces – and even later, connecting the two! I remember the Advent services of that year as I learned to appreciate the liturgical traditions. I found growth in learning a new rhythm to Sunday mornings and what that could mean in my life throughout the week. All that to say, thank you! Thank you for being a welcoming church and for modeling well what church family can look like.

I want to thank Pastor Tom and Angie, who have been here all along as I, coming from much more informal traditions, learned how to make the bulletin with the order of service and how to navigate Shepherd’s Staff and Service Builder. My endless questions and requests for proofreaders never came on deaf ears. I appreciate your leadership in this place and thank you for all you have taught me about ministry.

I also want to thank Rachel, Pr. Beto, Antonia, and Haley for the roles you have played in my life – not just as coworkers in ministry, but as part of the family Francisco and I have in Dallas. It was a joy to serve alongside you and witness the depth of ways you allow your lives to be used for ministry. Being from far away from “home” is easier with you in our lives.

I am so thankful to you, our church family, for your continued support of the niche we have been given in this neighborhood. Your support of our partner schools, the Hispanic community, the English as a second language community, the YMCA, and countless others has really made an impact on my view of what “…we serve our neighbor” means. May we all continue to grow in love and service of our neighbors as we grow in thankfulness for the place we have been situated in Dallas.

As we go further into Thanksgiving week, I pray that the Lord give you eyes to see the blessings around you and the work he has accomplished through you this year.

Happy Thanksgiving and (instead of goodbye, I’ll say) see you Sunday!