Gifts of Meaning

The Helper by Catherine Marshall (sent to Kathryn by her niece, but not given to her by the students. She later found it in the library)

Portrait of Kathryn Koob wearing the “hostage cross” necklace sent by her parish at Messiah Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia for Lent

Brochure describing the origin of the cross as a Lenten symbol of devotion and its connection to the American hostages in Iran through Kathryn Koob

A “hostage cross,” similar to one that was sent to Kathryn during her captivity

Cross on the Rock, an Easter 1980 gift made by Elizabeth Ann Swift.

Mobile gifted to Kathryn at Christmas 1980 by her roommate and best friend during captivity Elizabeth “Ann” Swift.

New Testament, New International Version (Its small size made it easy to transport in Kathryn’s pocket, and she made many notes and prayer lists inside of it).

For Christmas 1979, the students gifted Kathryn a Revised Standard Edition of the Holy Bible. Kathryn has recalled how meaningful to her this gift was, as it helped her to remember prayers and stories she was attempting to incorporate into her daily program. She used the Bible throughout her time in captivity.