I write this amid my last harried ten minute whirlwind of packing, but that is as well because months and months would be far too little time to find the right words to thank all those we leave. Naturally, I won’t name you here, as you may wish anonymity when you’ve had bozos like us traipsing around your place, popping your tires, and tripping onto your chickens—but you know who you are, and my wife, my daughter and I thank you. You’ve let us a share a life that, while not remotely near Heaven, is far nearer Earth than we ever thought we could be.

We also thank the fun folk we worked with (a certain debater, wit, and reggae fiend springs to mind), as well as the whole festival of friends that the farmers shared with us, especially a couple Dorothy Day fans.

Finally, we thank you for not minding that I am simultaneously lazy and a couple hours late to see my brother, so this is an excellent time to stop. God bless and keep you in His love. The day will be glad when we see you again.