May 23 Home Communicator
December 3 Home Communicator – The past two weeks have not been easy for the staff at Hudsonville Christian. We are mourning a leader and a friend. Our sadness and grief have been met, though, with an amazing outpouring of love and encouragement from the Hudsonville Christian community. When I asked the staff from the elementary and middle school buildings to let me know how they’ve been cared for over the past two weeks, the emails started flooding my inbox. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you from all of us for being the hands and feet of Jesus during this difficult time.
Thank you for keeping us fed. Lunches were generously provided by individuals, our office staff, and Wing Doozy. The Parents’ Club Board made sure we had dinner during the long nights of parent-teacher conferences. On top of that, your homemade treats, candy, fruit, donuts, chocolate, muffins, and cheese (for protein) have ensured that no one has gone hungry at HCS.
Thank you for helping us stay hydrated and caffeinated. Over the past couple of weeks, you have showered us with pop, sparkling water, tea, and hot chocolate. In addition, many fancy coffees (or gift cards for fancy coffees) made their way to classrooms and offices.
Thank you for your presence. Members of the School Board, area pastors, and many parents were present in the hallways during those first few days of grief to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and words of encouragement. Several of you offered to sit with kids at lunchtime, covered recess duties in the cold, or volunteered to help out in the classroom or with extracurricular activities. Your presence allowed us the extra time we needed to take a short break, sit in silence for a moment, or spend time with fellow staff members.
Thank you for encouraging us. We received so many emails, texts, cards, and notes from parents, students, and even former students who have moved on from our buildings. You shared hugs, flowers, Bible verses, prayers, kind words, and stories about Dan and the way he affected your lives.
We are so incredibly blessed to be a part of the Hudsonville Christian community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving and caring for us so deeply and so well.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Tricia Kiepert, Elementary Principal
