Pastor Valencia's Installation Celebration

When we joined our church, it was being pastored by an interim pastor, who then left and a second interim took her place. The wheels of the presbytery spin exceeding slow, and it was a long wait for all of us to go through the selection process for a new and permanent pastor. We were so happy that the Rev. Valencia Norman was chosen and also that she chose to come lead us. She and I have a great mutual friend, who preached at the installation service and whose sermon left both me and Chris in tears. She spoke of the experience for our congregation of being in the wilderness yet sensing God's presence and support throughout the time there. It seemed to us like such a metaphor as well for our adoption journey and we felt so comforted and strengthened by her words.

Below, our new pastor Valencia with our mutual friend Anne:

And, the children enjoyed food and fellowship at the celebration meal after!