November 7, 2011Dear Sir,To My Beloved Bermuda Family and Friends,It is with a heavy heart that I write to say farewell to my island home of 30 years. I came at the tender age of 22 having worked in three wonderful secondary schools, (Sandy’s Secondary, Warwick Academy, and CedarBridge Academy). I have met the most awesome people along my journey and have come to love everyone that I have had the privilege of knowing. My former students, their parents, and colleagues have all enriched my life beyond measure, in some cases becoming like family. Having spent my entire adult life in Bermuda (except for a few years), I too have grown while experiencing the joys of watching former students become very productive member of Bermuda’s community. One cannot express the overwhelming excitement when your students are successful and likewise the sadness when they go astray. I have been honoured to serve and see two generations become productive citizens.My love for Bermuda goes well beyond the walls of the school as I was able to volunteer and assist in many different capacities and on numerous committees for government, community centres, agencies, and ministries with the church. I want to say “Thank You” for allowing me the opportunity to live, work, and mature on your shores. I cannot express in words the depth of my heart as I leave. Bermuda has been my home and will always be my home despite no longer being able to reside here. My term limits have come to an end and now it is time for me to leave.I would like to thank my former students who trusted me enough to allow me to get involved in their lives as together we were able to find positive solutions. To you parents, thanks for entrusting me with your most precious possession, your children. To my close friends, we have traveled to adulthood together through the pain of losing our loved ones as well as the joys of spending holidays together. Thanks for always being there and supporting me. My friends/colleagues from school, I will miss the laughs and professional discussions we have had. Keep the faith and do not give up on “our” studentsthey need you desperately especially in these turbulent times. To my four god-childrenI love you each more than I can say and I will miss you more than I can express. Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Your unconditional love has helped me to love others. Last but not least, to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Having attended several places of worship in my 30 years I want to thank all the pastors, church family members, and close friends for helping me to define and live out my faith in Jesus. Your prayers were timely and always welcome.As I prepare to leave my adopted home I invite all who would like to come to my last church service as a resident of Bermuda. It will be Sunday, November 13 at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship at 10am at the Ruth Seaton James auditorium. It would be great to see you all there.Saying goodbye is never easy but I know I will continue to visit whenever I am able. Although I am not sure what my future holds, I do know that God holds my future in His hands. I will now embark on a new adventure in my life and although I am sad to leave Bermuda, I excitedly await for my new season of life to begin.In closing, thank you Bermuda for many years of cherished memories that will be ever present in my heart. May God bless you and protect you in the days ahead.With love,NANCY MATTOLADevonshire