Anyone who knows the Leonard family has heard me extol the virtues of the paradise my family lost when we relocated to Silver Spring from Portland, Oregon.

For almost four years, I struggled to accept this area as my new home. Frankly, I was shocked by what I perceived as the self-centeredness, materialism, and rudeness I encountered in my routine errands and attempts to develop a community for my family.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Catholic schools from first grade through college. My husband and I moved to the Pacific Northwest after honeymooning there in 1995. We were thrilled with the friendliness and courtesy we discovered there, which complemented the incredible natural beauty that surrounded us. I am not exaggerating when I say the worst rush-hour traffic would halt for any downtown pedestrian in Portland. It was easy to develop what I would call an extended family through our friendships there. When our daughter Audrey was born in November, 2001, I found myself surrounded by young parents I could trust with the health and happiness of my tiny family.

Our family attempted to develop relationships in communities here, which by name and reputation were supposed to welcome strangers. I exhausted myself opening my home and volunteering with these groups. These efforts bore little more than shallow relationships based on convenience, rather than a shared commitment to raising a loving, responsible daughter.

What a thrill it was to encounter a group of sincere, courteous, and genuinely open and friendly families when Audrey Leonard registered for kindergarten at Saint John the Evangelist School. I must admit, I was skeptical and somewhat guarded due to the disappointing experiences I've already related. I was waiting for any sign I might need to continue the search for that loving extended family.

What follows is a love letter to the SJE community for providing such a nurturing place for a family of non-parishioners. You have been our Good Samaritans.

Thank you, dear families of Saint John the Evangelist School for your friendliness. I was truly relieved when so many of you made eye contact upon meeting me for the first time.

Thank you for your sincerity. When I arrive nearly every morning in my pajamas to drop Audrey at Sister Doreen's door, many of you are there in your pajamas, too. Nobody feels the need to present an image. You look so beautiful to me in your rumpled sweat pants and fleece jackets.

Thank you for your openness. You know we don't attend Mass, but you've never allowed our absence there to interfere with our developing relationships. We have embraced a new faith, but never would have recognized its value in our lives without the strong roots of our Roman Catholic educations, which we honor with our daughter's presence in your school. As adherents to the Baha'i faith, we assert the Sonship of Jesus Christ and the virginity of his beautiful mother, Mary.

Thank you for your courtesy. When I arrive at school in the morning, I know you will do your best to keep a parking space open for the next family to arrive. I know you will greet me with a smile, no matter how many times your children woke you the previous night. I know Sister Doreen will unfailingly greet Audrey each morning, accepting her as the independent-minded child she is at age six.

Good Samaritans, you have brought the Leonard family fresh hope and renewed inspiration to embrace Metropolitan Washington, D.C. as our home. Wherever the U.S. Army sends us in coming years, we will never forget your generosity and sincere kindness and love. You have been shining angels of virtue during what may be seen as one of the darkest times in the history our nation. With all of you in attendance, I have complete faith in the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church as a leader during our nation's challenging moral evolution.

With Utmost Sincerity and Gratitude,
Kate Leonard