Help Me Turn the Page to a New Chapter

What does one write about in her last story for HELM? I wish someonewould have told me because as I sit and write there are so many thingsflowing through my mind. Should I say something about Eureka College andthe wonderful community that has nurtured me for three and a half years?Should I say something about the night I accepted my calling toministry? How about expressing my gratitude to the staff of HELM forinfluencing me to become the woman I am today. I got it, I will saysomething to all of the people in the Disciples of Christ church thathave left a lasting mark on my life, you know who you are! It just doesnot seem right to leave anyone out. I am the person I am today becauseeach person I have made contact with was a messenger from our Creator.

I feel like I am saying goodbye, but this is actually just the end of animportant chapter. My undergraduate years have been what can only bedescribed as unbelievable. I was just talking to someone this afternoonabout a brief conversation we shared 3 years ago about whether or notministry was the next step for me. Now I can not think of a place that Iwould rather be than here anticipating my beginnings at Brite DivinitySchool. That conversation is a memory that has become a reality oncemore. I am ready, I have been prepared, I may falter, but I trust thateach of you will be there to lend a hand.

This chapter has been amazing and there is nothing that I would change.I am grateful that so many amazing people followed along with it. I amgrateful that God chose me to write it and live it. I am grateful thatit is only the beginning. I pray that there are so many more to come. Iam a life that was changed by the generosity of Eureka College, HELM,the DOC church, and numerous others. A new chapter begins now; join meas my journey continues. This is not goodbye but simply an instructionto stay tuned, turn the page, and follow along. Even I do not know whatthe future holds! Thanks be to God!

A December 2004 graduate of Eureka College, Natalie Dixon is in her fourth year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wellington, Kansas.