Courage, dear heart for 2019

Happy New Year to all!

Wishing you and your family peace, hope and courage for 2019.

Having spent the holiday in Belfast, Northern Ireland, birthplace of C.S. Lewis, I have been reflecting on his Narnia Series and a passage from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. At one stage in the story, young protagonist Lucy and her siblings are on a ship heading into dark, unknown waters, and in the midst of the turmoil, Lucy whispers for help. Lewis writes, “the darkness did not grow any less, but she began to feel a little- a very, very little- better.” Lucy then hears a whisper in reply, “Courage, dear heart.” 

I love these gentle words of encouragement. May we all continue to courageously face the challenges and opportunities that lie before us in 2019- personally, professionally, and for our families, our communities, our nation, and our world.

As the Irish International Immigrant Center prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, I am also reflecting on my gratitude for your partnership with the center and your support for immigrant and refugee families. Thank you.

I look forward to working with you this year- stay tuned for more details about our anniversary celebrations, and please contact me if you would like to learn about new ways to engage with the Center in 2019.

Very good wishes and in gratitude,