Such much has been transpiring in my life that I've fallen a bit behind on my posts. I just returned from a week long mission trip to Joplin, MO. As you probably know, an EF5 tornado tore through that community 11 months ago destroying approximately 1/3 of the city. We arrived to find most of the destroyed buildings and homes cleared but nominal construction being done to replacing the 8000 structures demolished by the tornado. We found both the members of First UMC Joplin (who provided us a place to sleep, eat, and shower) and residents of the community gracious, appreciative, and eager to tell their stories. Everyone had a story to tell about what they were doing when the tornado hit and how it affected them and their loved ones. We spent the bulk of our time in Joplin working on a house to make it livable for the owner who lost her original home in the disaster. One day was spent clearing a lot of felled trees (lots of chain sawing and moving timber and brush from one place to another). I was moved both by the incredible loss this community has suffered and by the profound response of faith I witnessed from its residents. I continue to meet off and on with the staff of First UMC Denton for staff and worship planning as I continue this transitional phase to my new appointment as of July. My wife and I plan to travel to Utah for a week, so I can study and renew before I move to Denton. My last Sunday at First Lewisville is June 17th and I look forward to celebrating communion together with my church family as a way to say goodbye. For me the most difficult part of being an appointed pastor is the goodbyes which seem to come much too often. Blessings, Don