Wow. Our last issue. What does one say?

I'm tempted to make this closing editorial one big, schmaltzy, Kleenex-a-thon. You know, surround myself with New Attitude back issues, play Michael W. Smith's song "Friends" and have a good cry. But I'm resisting my tendency towards melodrama for the sake of accomplishing something productive in this space—namely, to answer a few of the questions you've asked and share some ways we can keep in touch.

Since the announcement that the magazine would end, the most frequent question I've received is "Why don't you pass New Attitude on to somebody else?" It's been said that a good leader is one who starts things that can continue after he's gone. Obviously, I fail that test rather resoundingly. I apologize for my own lack of planning and foresight. Though I worked with many different writers across the country, I never trained anyone locally that could handle New Attitude's production.

Since July I've explored many different options. For awhile I considered selling the magazine. That didn't pan out. Then several different individuals and families offered to take it over. I appreciated their offers, but just didn't feel comfortable giving it to those I didn't know well. The magazine has come to stand for and embody values that you and I hold dear. I decided that it would be better that it end upholding those values than have it continue under different leadership and possibly undermine or abandon them.

I am confident that other publications will rise up to take New Attitude's place. I've talked with several home schoolers from different parts of the country who are interested in starting their own publications. Go for it! Through our website I want to be a part of promoting these ventures. I'm also available to answer questions and give counsel concerning publishing to anyone who needs it. Please don't hesitate to e-mail or write me.

The magazine is gone, but the website lives on! Not only is our web presence going to continue, but we want to "beef it up" considerably to make it even more useful and dynamic. Those of you who have visited frequently know we've been negligent in updating the site. That's my fault, and I promise it's going to improve. Please be patient with me. I'm learning how to handle the site myself (right now I'm completely clueless when it comes to the web) and though it will be awhile before it's totally up to speed, I'm excited about its potential. I want this to be the place for all of us to keep in touch. "NA Webazine," as I affectionately call it, will feature articles from back issues, conference information, continued Interaction, and hopefully even some new articles. One reader suggested an online version of the pen-pal bulletin. I'm open to ideas.

Another great way to keep in touch is through America Online. My screen name is DOIT4JESUS (put me on your "Buddy List" and be sure to say "hi" if you see me). If you're on AOL or have a friend who is, visit New Attitude's folder in Practical Homeschooling's section. Here are the directions to get there: Enter Key Word "PHS." In the "Talk About Homeschooling" section you'll find the "New Attitude" folder. You can post a message to me or anyone else. We've had great discussions on all sorts of topics. I hope this will become a "hangout" for NA readers.

This year we're hitting the road with the "Searching for True Love" tour. The new conference will challenge teens and young adults to live a lifestyle of sincere love, true purity and purposeful singleness. I hope you can make it to one. If you do, please make sure to come say "hi" to Andrew and me. We love to meet NA readers in person.

Also, please pray for us as we attempt to reach out to college-age students and those outside the home-school community who need to hear this message.

A small detail that I haven't mentioned until now is where on the east coast I'm moving. The answer is Gaithersburg, Maryland. It's about forty minutes outside of Washington, D.C. I'll be living with a family and doing an internship at Covenant Life Church. (If you're ever in the area, drop by for a service!) I'll keep you updated on how this adventure unfolds through the website.

Finally, I want to thank you. I have never deserved the love, trust and support that you have given me these last four years. Thanks for all your letters. Thanks for loving this magazine but being excited with me as I pursue a new direction. The chance to serve you—people whom I consider to be some of the most talented, gifted and godly young adults in the world—has been an honor. I am continually amazed that Cod could use my efforts, in spite of all my sin and inadequacy. That's why, more than anything, I want this magazine to be remembered as His work. And I hope it will stand, not as a monument to home schooling, but as a reminder of the inexhaustible grace of God. May we never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! As members of His family, there are no real goodbyes. I will see you later.