Happy 2010! I can’t believe it is mid-February already. We begin Lent this week, and yet I feel like Christmas just ended. Time seems to move so quickly. The sun is shining as I write, but I’m sure you have friends or family that are snowed in up in the Northeast or in the Midwest. One thing I love about snow is that is forces you to stop, make some hot chocolate, and hunker down with family, friends and neighbors that you can reach on foot. I always find it a very reflective and quiet time, that is, until I have to drive in it! I was reminded of this need to slow down on our recent field trip to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers last week. An article about our outing is in this newsletter. You can’t help but notice that the monks move very slowly and deliberately, living out their lives of prayer and labor. Even in the gift shop, Father Tom took the time to greet each customer and talk with them, no matter how long the line got. At first I was impatient, and I joked while I was waiting that if I moved that slowly I, too, would be in a constant conversation with God. But I soon realized that was the reason I was there-to learn patience and kindness and to feel God’s presence. Shouldn’t the goal be to have a constant conversation with God?

  That word “goal” is a nice segue into Christ Child of Atlanta’s recent activities. The board has been working diligently behind the scenes to make transitions smoother and more efficient, and I am so proud of the progress our chapter is making with our outreach programs and social activities. The development of Elizabeth’s Garden at the Elaine Clark Center, part of which will be shaped like an “E”, is in full swing with plans for spring planting. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Patty Decraene at pdecraene5@gmail.com.

  Our website will be unveiled in the next couple of weeks. Charter member, Katy Asip, has done an incredible job redesigning our website into one that is beautiful and spiritual, while at the same time will give our members and the community at large access to all that we do and all that we are about.

  Lastly, the board decided to try to have at least two additional social activities this calendar year. While we visited the Monastery last week, we are also planning a Members’ Social on April 24th at Casey & Jeff Long’s home. Yes, ladies, husbands are invited, too! I am confident that other activities will be planned after the success of this event. Look for an evite soon.