In which I have ended my stint as a fake Anglican

As I said way back in November, I have really enjoyed being a part of the chapel community here. Today was the last service - for me, for Gabi who stands next to me, for Mary Marshall who has been in Keble choir since she started at Keble as an undergrad 9 years ago (she has since finished her PhD and moved on to teaching), for the Warden, and for the Chaplain. It was also Teddy's last service as director. Needless to say, it was pretty emotional all around. I managed to keep from tearing up during the actual service (and grace at dinner) though the last hymn got me during rehearsal. All the leavers were also named during the prayers of intercession which also made me feel a little teary. I think the prayer was that we would have the gift of friendship and feel the support of the Keble community wherever we may be going. Allen's sermon was also based around the word "go" as in "go in peace" from the Gospel lesson. He spoke about figuring out what kind of life you want to live, and going in peace with faith in that direction. Good stuff.

After dinner, there was a party on Allen the Chaplain's behalf. He made a sweet speech and then gave out gifts to all the leavers in the chapel community, including me. He told me it was a shame I had to leave among other kind things. We all got gift bags with a postcard of the chapel altar and a lovely large watercolor of the chapel. Which solves my problem of figuring out which kind of print of Keble I wanted because this one is perfect.

Richard and Teddy, on behalf of the choir, gave me the book Blighty: The Quest for Britishness, Britain, Britons, Britishness and the British which I think is hysterical. I fully plan on reading it on the plane.

I was so touched by these gifts and comments. The Warden also came over during the party and thanked me for coming this year. It's not that I was planning on leaving quietly but I guess tonight made it clear that I am not going to be able to simply slip out of Keble.

Lastly, in case it's not obvious, I will really really miss singing here.