Shwmae Haverim!

That’s Welsh for “Hello Haverim.” Unfortunately, after too short a time with this amazing community, I’ve made the difficult decision to return to Wales in December¹. As some of you know I moved to Portland from Wales after living in Cardiff for 6 years. I have loved living in Portland and especially getting to know so many wonderful Havurahniks. I consider myself so lucky to have found a job with this group of intelligent, passionate, active, interesting, spiritual, professional… and just plain incredible people. The Havurah community is unique and special and I only wish that you were the Reconstructionist Community of Cardiff so I could keep working here forever.  

The decision to move was a difficult one as both my husband and I have loved our time in Portland. The Pacific Northwest is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts like us and we couldn’t have been happier with our weekends of mountain biking, hiking, camping, and general adventuring. However, even with the beautiful nature and adventure-at-our-doorstep, I missed something that I didn’t know I could miss – I missed my community. I had put down roots that I didn’t see or feel until I left, and maybe this realization was only amplified by the incredibly welcoming community of Havurah.  

I know the community has big decisions and transitions ahead, but after working with so many Havurah committees and members I can’t imagine a community better equipped to handle these changes and to thrive within these opportunities.  

Thank you for welcoming me into the community. My last day at Havurah will be December 2. Please keep in touch via email or Facebook or some other wonder of the internet … and if you find yourself in Cardiff I’ll have a cuppa tea and a biscuit² waiting for you.

diolch a hwyl fawr³

Rachel

¹ This note was written and the decision was made before November 8th.
² It’s actually a cookie, and likely a very good cookie!
³ thank you and goodbye

From the Steering Committee --

We are very sad to see Rachel go and wish her and Andy all the best in the return to the UK. Rachel has been an important part of our staff and we so appreciate all she has done to take care of our building and improve our office processes over the last year and a half. We will miss her work and her presence in our community.

Steering is finalizing the job description and posting for Rachel’s replacement as Office and Facilities Manager. If you have questions about the position, please contact Debbi, debbinadell@gmail.com.

Photo above is of Rachel in Oregon. Photo below is of Rachel, Andy and their friends in Wales.