As I write this farewell message, I’m reminded of my first message 16 years ago. When I composed my first Volunteer Newsletter in July 2006, I was sitting in my windowless office up the stairs from the dining room and kitchen at 1911 R Street and I was a “young” single woman. I was so excited about my new position with Matt Talbot where I had volunteered since 2000. Well, sixteen years have passed and I now sit in a beautiful office with a big window off of our amazing kitchen, pantry and dish room. In those many years, I met my husband, John Paul, who I have been married to for 15 years and I am no longer a “young” woman. I have prepared around 587 meals, notarized 1,378 signatures for clients needing identification, made 767 trips to Sam’s, received 162 Thank You notes and cards, helped with 16 Huskers Helping the Homeless, attended 16 Feeding the Soul of the City events, sit in on 185 team meetings, worked on 4 strategic plans, passed four ServSafe Level 4 certification tests, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, made around a GAZILLION FRIENDS. What these numbers don’t capture though, is the everyday joy I have experienced of hearing our Hunger Relief Teams busy at work in the kitchen preparing meals for our guests. It has been a very real privilege working with all of you, I have always been humbled by your dedication to our mission. Your support of me has also meant so much. However, it’s time for me to hang up my apron and sign off for the last time. I would like to also send a special “Thank You” to Marylyde Kornfeld, Susie Hughes, Deb Sitzman, and Sonia Chen. You have been my rock stars as part of “The TEAM”! What a sisterhood.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe road ahead.
In gratitude,
Sydne
“The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last.”
Moira Rogers
