This past week has been characterized by beginning to say goodbye to friends, students and their families, and coworkers. Teachers love summer break just as much as students, but the end of this school year hasn't been easy for me this year. I've experienced a range of emotions as I think about the pause in my teaching career and the lack of proximity I will have with those I love, care for, and am so used to having around.
Last weekend I attended the wedding of a dear friend's sister. My friend, Kristin, and I have known each other for almost 15 years. She and her husband live in Florida now, so I only see her a few times a year. I knew that last weekend would be "goodbye" since I won't see her again this summer before I leave for the World Race. It was so special to have time together to laugh, cry, and just be us. It was really hard to say goodbye to a friend knowing that separation will span thousands of miles, several hours difference in time zones, and months (or more than a year) before we will see each other again.
I started my school week on Monday fully anticipating twinges of sadness as I finish my seventh year of teaching and saying goodbye to my students. Every June when school comes to a close, I have a hard time letting go of my students because we have become a family, a team, and have come to know each other and relate so well. I love them and don't want to send them on to a new teacher. But this year is different because not only am I letting go and saying goodbye to my students, but I'm also leaving my classroom and teaching position. I know that I'll be back next summer and I plan to return to teaching in the fall of 2013, but it's still difficult handing over my classroom to a new teacher.
My students and their parents gave me an incredibly special send-off on Wednesday morning. They caught me off guard with this surprise! It was a sweet time with many hugs, some tears, and lots of love.
Another struggle I had this week was thinking about my sweet teaching assistant, Jan, and our seven years together. She has faithfully served and assisted the class and me each year since I came to ICS. She is one of my best friends and one of the strongest women I know. This year she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. After undergoing a hysterectomy, she went through several months of chemotherapy and is now doing radiation every day. Through it all, she has continued to be positive and a great example to those around her. I pray that we will again be a team in the classroom, but there is the possibility that this school year was our last one.
Even with the hard parts of preparing to leave for the World Race and the unknown I am facing, I know that God has great things in store for me through this experience. I know I will miss my family, friends, students, and coworkers deeply.
But there are things that we are called to do and they should not be easy. I'm saying goodbye to my life here and saying hello to the new life I will embrace as I travel with my family of racers and meet the new friends we will serve along the way.
It's a good thing I have all summer to say my goodbyes. Big hug and love to you all!
