KeePers,
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah Spradlin. I’ve worn a couple hats these past four years at Kingdom Pen, first as a minute master for staff meetings (aka Secretary) before moving up to Community Happiness Director. Many of you have met me through KP’s email, which was one of my main duties besides social media and contest organization. However, I consider my most important accomplishment as being the chief note passer during meetings and confetti distributor.
I’ve experienced writer’s block plenty of times, but I think this has been my worst case—not because I don’t have enough words to fill the page, but because I have too many.
The time has come for me to depart this fair kingdom. The fact is, I’ve already been gone for almost two months. You probably thought your hide-n-seek skills were strong. You didn’t even realize you were playing find-the-missing-cardboard-box.
Why did I pack up my cardboard box? It was one of the hardest actions I have ever done. But as I’m discovering and beginning to pursue the passions God has given me for agriculture, international development, and education, I’ve realized that it means letting go of some wonderful activities so I can devote more attention to preparing for the future.
It is incredible to look how far we’ve progressed in the few short years I’ve been at Kingdom Pen. It is unlike any other organization I’ve ever been a part of. It is overflowing with people who aren’t committed just for a hot minute, but who are in it for the long haul. Each person is remarkably gifted and driven, so I won’t worry about Kingdom Pen crumbling any time soon. Each staff member will make KP into all it can and should be, which will shake the world at its foundation and move mountains. Each of y’all are giving it all you’ve got, KeePers, KaPeeFers, and Staffers alike. It’s crazy to think about the awesome opportunities that are emerging from the woodwork.
But, as KP continues to grow, we’ll need people who are fully invested, because that’s what KeePers deserve and what will push us to the next level. Where I’m headed, I can’t do that, and it wouldn’t be fair of me to do a bad job when someone else could do better (*cough* Hope Ann *cough*). Although I won’t be on the forefront anymore, I’ll still be cheering from the back, praying for each of you, and open to offer any advice I might have.
Hope Ann and Christi have agreed to fulfill my responsibilities as Community Happiness Director, Social Media Director, and Outreach Director, and I’m looking forward to watching them perform amazing feats through their new roles. I mean, they’re already killing it, of course. Guess they had a pretty great teacher—me. I’m just kidding. Honestly, they are way cooler than me. Plus, I’ve infected Hope with a love for puns, and coupled with her propensity to use memes, y’all are set.
I am so proud to have served y’all and I look forward to seeing where KP goes next! Never give up, mountain movers. God has been in this from the start and will continue to be with us, taking KP further than we writers can imagine (which is saying a lot, am I right?).
If any of you have questions about why I’m stepping down or anything, I’m an open book! Don’t hesitate to reach out and say hi. I’m on Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to shoot me messages on either of those.
I’d apologize for how long this is, but I’m really not sorry. It’s long because y’all are important to me and I love you. *Throws confetti, issues the many thumbs up, and squishes everyone in a bear hug* Please, please, please, never forget: each of you has an extraordinary gift. Don’t let anyone tell you different, and as you continue to hone your craft—sharpening your swords, battle axes, arrows, daggers—remember that I believe you’re gonna change the world.
With all my heart,
Sarah Spradlin
I’m not crying, it’s just ra… You know what. No. It’s not raining on my face. I am actually tearing up.
Sarah, I’ve never thought of Kingdom Pen without thinking of you, and even now, that isn’t going to change. You are one of the biggest hearts behind this community, and you always will be. I know you’re going to be just as valued as you are here in your future work, and that, our dear friend, is more than all the confetti you’ve ever thrown. (Gosh, I’m really going to miss that.)
You are one of the poets of KP I’ve looked up to the most, and I have even printed out a few of your poems to study and learn from. And this letter… I’m also going to print this out, because it’s going up on my wall. Because I never want to stop reading it.
Thank you for everything, Sarah ❤️ It would be pointless to say anything like “Kingdom Pen will never forget you,” because besides that obvious fact, you’re still going to pop in now and then and say hello, right? 🙂
Well, in that case, just for you: *throws al the confetti* *jk–you can never throw all the confetti*. Same rainstorm must be here, too… man, weather is weird, I tell ya what. I don’t even know how to say thanks for your thank you. <3 It honestly made my day, and it'll be something I'll hold dear, too. Dudette, your poetry is pretty dad-burn amazing, so I'll take any credit I can get if it means I get to be affiliated with your awesomeness. <3 And of course I'll pop in and say hello!
I know I’ve already said it’s sad to see you go, but I think I need to re-emphasize just how important you were to the staff. I don’t think I even ever got to see the half of what you did. I hope your agriculture goes well. Besides writing, growing food has got to be the next coolest thing. I’m sure you’ll love your work.
And maybe you can still submit the rare poem to us, huh? 😉
LOL!! Daeus, your commentary will never not make my day. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted on the agriculture front–maybe write me some poems about agriculture. *drops mic* *drops some confetti while picking up the mic* Keep being awesome!
Sarah’s probably too humble to come out and say this, so I’m going to go ahead and say it for her: KP wouldn’t exist today without her. 3-4 years back or so, KP went through a slump where most of the staff left and it was just Reagan, Sarah, Grace, and myself who were still on the team. For a year and a half, our lives were chaotic and we really didn’t do much with KP. KP probably would have slowly abandoned it if Sarah hadn’t been persistent in staying on top of emails, getting us together for staff meetings, and pushing us forward to continue with our mission.
All of which is to say: Sarah has really been the heart of the staff in particular and Kingdom Pen as a whole for the past several years and it’s going to be a very bittersweet thing to see her leave, even as I’m sure God’s going to use her in awesome ways in her vocation.
We’re going to miss you Sarah!
I mean, I was still in high school, so it’s not like I had anything better to do with my life. 😛 Seriously, though, thank you so much for this. KP and its amazing staff has been a huge part of what has encouraged me and kept me going over the past few years, so to say I was only on staff because I wanted to serve would definitely be a lie–it’s been amazing to be loved and encouraged by such an amazing community, including the staff that didn’t quit (because, public service announcement: Josiah was also there around the dark ages and didn’t give up on KP either, so you had better believe KP wouldn’t be here now without him either).
I had no clue…wow. What would we do without KP?! Thank you Sarah!
Thanks so much for all you’ve done, Sarah! We’ll definitely miss you and your cardboard box in the emails and in all the other things you did. 🙂
<3 Awww. I'm gonna miss you too!! Thank you so much for letting me serve y'all for so long! 🙂 It's been a pleasure.
I’ll miss you, Sarah! But maybe instead of a box you could move into a mansion? 😛 Thank you for everything you’ve done for KP!
And never forget.
Once a Kapeefer, always a kapeefer.
Imma miss you too, girl!! And lol! Where would the fun in that be? I mean, do you know how easy it is to clean out a cardboard box? it takes like.. 0 time. Literally the best. Thank you for letting me serve with KP for so long! <3 And awwww–reminds me of the once a king or queen of Narnia line from the Chronicles of Narnia. #weareallkingsandqueenshere
My dearest friend and Starcatcher. Yeah, I’m going to try to not get too sappy here in the comments section, but I will say this. I would not be here on staff at this amazing place if it wasn’t for you. I would not have been brave enough to apply for an internship if it wasn’t for you encouraging me. Thank you for pouring yourself in everything you do. Sarah, you’ll move mountains. I love you, girl!
Awwww! I love you too, girl! Haha–it’s a good thing we got you on staff when we did. Lord knows we’d be a train wreck without your post scheduling skills and general awesomeness when it comes to author outreach and all the things we’ve got planned to do now, too. 😉 Keep doing amazing things, girl. You’re moving mountains as we speak. 😉
*sniffles* *dabs eyes with tissue*
Sarah,
You are such an inspiring and amazing person. I wish I could have gotten to know you better during your time with KP. Keep dedicating every minute, every breath to Him. Your joy is contagious; don’t ever change that.
I know wherever He takes you, your light will shine! The world needs more people like you, sister.
<3 <3 <3 Awwwww. It's been awesome to get to know you, Ingrid! I've loved all the emails we've exchanged even if they've just been brief little moments. Keep shining His light, too, girl!
Sarah~ you and I haven’t gotten to talk on the forums much, but i’ve seen you around and heard from others just how amazing you are. 😉
You will be missed. ❤️
Awww! I will miss y’all, too!! Hopefully I’ll be able to pop in on the forum every once and again in the next few months before I’m too old, so maybe we can get to know each other better then! 😉
I know I haven’t talked to you a ton, but I’ve always been so blessed by how full of joy and happy to help you are, Sarah. I’m sad that you’re leaving, but God bless you where you’re going! Thanks for all the confetti you’ve stockpiled in various corners of the kingdom—-makes it looks cheery and all. 😉 And also, thanks for any and all e-mail exchanges and the like you did through KP’s email. I know you helped me with at least one. 🙂
<3 It's like Easter eggs… except confetti. And not on Easter. So not really like Easter eggs at all. xD Thank y'all for putting up with me for so long! It's been a pleasure, especially getting to email with y'all. 😉
‘PUTTING UP WITH YOU.’ Heh. It was hardly that. XD
<3
LOL! <3 😉
*is suddenly at a loss as to what to say* I’m not good at writing stuff like this. Brace yourself. 😉 I just wanted to say, thank you Sarah. The bestiest place on the internet will never be the same because of your confetti, cardboard box house, and general awesomeness. I’m grateful. Enjoy your next adventure!!
<3 Thank you!! It's been amazing to be a part of the bestiest place on the internet. 😉 Keep being awesome yourself!
Ah, this is sad. Whenever I think of Kingdom Pen I think of you and how neat it was to meet you at Summit. That’s great life is busy and God has you on a purposeful path. Yet it’s always sad to let things go…. I hope God blesses you as you step forward!!!
Same, girl! Summit seems like it was an eternity ago, but I remember hiking up Red Mountain with you and Elizabeth so well still! <3 Thank you so much!
Nooooo……goodbye!!!! We shall all miss you!
Awww! I’ll miss y’all too!!
Aww Saaaarah. <3 <3 It's so sad that you're leaving, but so exciting at the same time! God bless. *hugs*
*returns bear hug* My feelings exactly, girl!
I’m late and they’ve already said it. I think you know how much I’ll miss you— yes, even your terrible puns and wisecracks during meetings— so I won’t try to say it. That’d just make it less than what it was, anyway.
You’ll always be an inspiration to me. Thank you for being a part of my life, even if it wasn’t for very long. 😉 <3
PSA: Kate sends incredibly inspirational letters that will make your day for a whole week solid. I am glad you will miss the puns. 🙂 You inspire me, girl! 🙂 And your love for dragons is unmatched in the kingdom, so I daren’t say anything to the contrary lest you send your dragons down upon me. xD Jk–I’m going to miss you, too! Keep being awesome. 🙂
We will miss you, Sarah! May God bless you richly as you begin this new chapter of service to Him! And I hope you have a lot of fun doing it, too!! *brings you a giant bunch of red balloons*
<3 I will miss you, too, Naomi! Thanks for the blessings…. and even more for the balloons. 😉
I hope you still write stuff for Kingdom Pen and check out the website sometime! May the peace of God go with you wherever you go, and good luck. I don’t know you at all, except for at KP, but you are a great writer and I know you’ll be missed here. Never stop writing!
Absolutely!! And thank you so much, girl! 🙂 I’ll miss you guys, too! And haha–you can count on that. I don’t think I could survive without a poem escaping every once and again.
Sarah, words can’t even express how grateful I am for your work here at KP and your friendship. (Just cause you’re movin’ on from KP doesn’t mean you can get rid of me :p) I can’t count the amount of times you’ve made me laugh. Or the mounds of inspiration and motivation you’ve given the team/community. You’ll always be in the KeePer hall of great legends. (and in my heart) So excited to see God taking your down new roads! (even though it leaves me sad cause our paths won’t cross as often.) Lots of love coming your way. <3
<3 <3 <3 Love you so much, my companion joy-radiator. Definitely count on our paths continuing to cross even if it's just a facebook message with a goofy gif every once in a while. 😉 It's truly been a pleasure.
Thank you so much for everything you have done for KP Sarah. I hope you have success in whatever you do next!
Thanks so much, Shannon! 🙂
Why did I not see this before???!!! Sarah, thank you for everything you’ve done for the KP community, how you’ve helped eaxh of grow, how you’ve shared yojr poems and knowledge. Thank you. And I’ll be praying for you in your new steps!
Very gratefully,
A KP member.
Hey girl!! No problem at all!! Awwww. <3 Thank you so much! It really was awesome just to be able to serve y'all for so long! 😉 Keep moving mountains!
How did I only just find this???
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done both for the site and me personally. You have helped tons of people on here, I know you being constant on here will, and has been missed. I will be praying for you as you go onto the next stage in your life.