Dear Esperanza Community,
There is a small dish in my home that reads, “You stand taller when you kneel to help a child.” As a mother for more than 30 years and an early childhood educator for more than 25 years, I feel this sentiment in my bones. The work of early childhood not only builds a child’s mind, body, and spirit, it creates moments of great pride and joy when you know that the work you were called to has actually made a difference in the life of a child.
I have been blessed to call Children of Hope my home for more than 18 years. We built this special school, from empty rooms to a thriving 5-Star Quality First School, where hundreds of children have received a solid, strong start.
The children and families I have served have crawled into my heart and will always remain. I have witnessed friendships form on this campus that have lasted through high school and beyond. I so appreciate the church staff and pastoral leadership as we shared this weekday ministry, and the support from the Esperanza congregation over these last many years. I have been most privileged to share this ministry with some of the finest teachers and humans I know, whom I am gifted to also count among my dearest friends.
But the time has come for me to pass the torch. As my own family grows and changes, exciting opportunities await me. It is time for me to retire from this beloved journey and entrust the care and nurture of this special ministry to someone new. I feel the Holy Spirit guiding this decision and I trust that the right person will take the reins and continue this important work.
A wave of emotions consumes me as I try to reflect and express what this calling has meant to me and my family. It has not been just a job for me, it has been the very definition of who I am. I love being Mrs. H and all that she has experienced. It will be hard to turn the page on her, as she has taught me so much and has brought so much joy into my life. My bucket overflows with love and gratitude. I do feel prepared, though, and ready to welcome this next phase of my life and the new experiences it will bring.
I call on each of you to help me, our staff, our children, and families navigate these waters of change. I thank you for your support and guidance as we seek the next very lucky leader of this very special place.
With a heart full of appreciation and love,
Lynn Hockenberger, “Mrs. H”
