Bidding farewell

Dear editor:

It is with mixed emotions that I am writing this farewell to volunteers, staff and supporters of Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic.

It has been my honor and privilege to have represented CCMC for the last nine years. In the time that I have been here, I have been blessed to have worked with staff and volunteers that consider it a privilege to give of themselves in the service to others. At the same time, I am excited to be moving close to family, particularly a grandbaby in Oklahoma City!

Over the years, we have seen many challenges, but those have made us grow stronger and more resolved to continue God’s work. I have no doubt that this leadership change will be any different. God’s will has a way of proving to us that this is, indeed, a mission blessed by Him.

I hope that everyone reading this message has an opportunity to meet the new executive director, Kim Carter. I feel confident that, with the support of CCMC’s board of directors, Kim will continue to lead the organization in serving the vulnerable population of Garland County and making a difference in the cycle of generational poverty. I encourage you to continue to support Kim as you have supported me for the past nine years.

I would like to thank the community of Hot Springs for being living examples of Southern hospitality and welcoming this Okie into your businesses, organizations and homes. Hot Springs will always hold a special place in my heart. I have learned and grown more in my time here than any other decade of my adult life.

I will be leaving Hot Springs with memories of the place where my husband proposed to me, the small dock where we were married, a ministry that I fully and completely support, as well as many friends, some that I now consider family. I don’t know how the rest of my biography will be written, but I do know that the next couple of chapters will be set in Oklahoma and that I will proudly be answering to the name of Grams … and that CCMC will always be part of me.

Lynn Blankenship Retired CCMC executive director