A Heartfelt "Thank You!"

 

Dearest Just Incredible Sisters in P.E.O. Chapter JI,

Charles and I thank you for your outpouring of love and support for us during the time we were preparing to move to Albert Lea, Minnesota! We really appreciate Kathy Burson orchestrating the meal train during our final week in Boulder. Thank you for your words of encouragement, your prayers, your meals during our packing phase, your gift cards (to Cracker Barrel, my favorite comfort-food restaurant) -- your Love! Time and time again, the sisters in this chapter show "love in action!" It was but one example of the gracious generosity and loving support you extend to each sister!

And thank you for the love you expressed during our holiday social this past Wednesday. I love the bright red cashmere scarf you gave to me, something to wrap around me in future days, a way to feel a big hug from each of you. And thanks to the officers for the beautiful brightly colored, lavish necklace which I will really enjoy wearing!

I may be moving to Minnesota, but my love and prayers will continue to walk with you! It's not goodbye; it's "until we meet again." 💓

LIPEO,

Belinda

P.S. You can check on us “virtually” any time by viewing our personal blog. https://alkula.blogspot.com/

P.P.S. Our new address is 1202 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN  56007-3638.

Farewell to a Beloved Sister

 

Annette Oakley and Belinda Alkula

Photo by Jan Smith

Our annual Holiday Social was bittersweet in that it was also our farewell to Belinda Alkula. Belinda and her husband, Charles, are leaving on December 9th for their new home in Albert Lea, Minnesota. On behalf of the chapter, current president Annette Oakley presented Belinda with a cashmere shawl that we all hope will keep her warm during the cold winter months. Annette also presented Belinda with a necklace from the Executive Board, acknowledging Belinda's service to our chapter as president (2021-2023) and also as the creator and keeper of our blog. 

Belinda is hoping to transfer to one of the P.E.O. chapters in Albert Lea. Although her P.E.O. letters will change, she will always be Just Incredible! We will miss you, Belinda. Godspeed to you and Charles.

Today's Holiday Social!

 

The Smith's party table is set! 💓

Message from President Annette Oakley:

Oh, what a great Christmas Social! Thank you Communication Committee & Hosts Jan & Phil Smith: You out did yourselves! It was so GREAT to celebrate one other, embrace the season of loving, caring, joy, & send Belinda off on her new life adventure in Minnesota!

Those who were unable to attend were truly missed, but I am certain your ears were ringing as each of you was thought of with loving concern.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again on December 18 for our regular chapter meeting at the home of Deborah & Sarah!

Remember in this busy season to take time of yourself!

Love ALL my Sisters!

Annette

Alkulas Moving Week Begins!

 

Cooler Outside Parsonage

Breakfasts for the Week!

Treats for Wesley!

Thank you, Kathie Burson, for loaning us a big cooler that will be outside the parsonage front door this week -- ready to accept the delicious food that P.E.O. Chapter JI sisters will be delivering to Charles and me -- to fuel us as we complete the packing before our move to Minnesota on December 9th! 

We appreciative Kathie's thoughtfulness and gracious generosity in setting up a meal train for us! First thing this morning, Kathie delivered an amazing assortment of breakfast food items -- enough to fuel us for breakfasts all this week!  Her kitty Joey gifted our kitty Wesley with some delicious treats, too! Wow! 

Indeed, blessings abound! Charles and I really appreciate the loving care demonstrated by the Just Incredible sisters in P.E.O. Chapter JI.

Lovingly in P.E.O.,

Belinda

Book Club 2025 Update

January 8 (Moved to 2^nd week of January due to the holidays.) – Hostess Vicky Hughes – Book: The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylvainen

We will also be setting the schedule for book club meetings for 2025.

Kindly RSVP to Vicky.

Cottey Wellness Center Needs

Some P.E.O.s and Cottey Alumnae send care packages, gift cards and birthday wishes to Cottey students, and generously support state scholarships. Now there is another way chapters/alumnae can help young women attending Cottey. The Wellness Center on campus saw a need for a pantry to aid certain students struggling with the cost of necessities while in college. The panty offers food items as well as feminine products, toiletries, and other personal items, and a small offering of clothing for girls with limited budgets. Cottey girls come in all shapes, sizes, economic situations, and from different parts of the globe. Cottey is dedicated to helping them thrive, not just survive.

The Wellness Center staff uses Walmart gift cards to purchase what is needed at the time, and the pantry stays well-stocked. If you would like to contribute toward a gift card from JI, please send your donation to Kathie Burson by December 1st. 

Devotion shared at our November meeting by Chaplain Jill Hyde

 

Surround yourself with strong women, women more beautiful than you, smarter than you, and don't envy them, admire them. 

Surround yourself with good women who know how to listen, who know how to care, from whom you learn to relate to the world, women who teach you their power.

Surround yourself with women to weave an invisible web, a web for other women, so you don't let them fall, so they feel the collective hug, so they don't feel alone or crazy.

Surround yourself with women who embrace their shadow, who don't apologize for being light, who are aware of their beauty and that they are alive.

Surround yourself with irreverent and brave women, women fighters who open the way and tear down walls, women of reference, women who do not ask for permission, who build their homes with the same hand, with which they cradle and caress.

Surround yourself with women who help you live as you are, who give you confidence and affection, who remind you that they are all one. 

(Written by Roy Galán)