Mrs. Blevins

So, today — I am starting with Mrs. Blevins, my 7th grade science teacher.  Mrs. Blevins is actually named Lori Teague now, but it is hard for me still to call her Lori!  When I was in 7th grade at Groves Middle School, I was soooo lucky to get Mrs. Blevins for science!  She was my favorite teacher and I thought she was the most beautiful and kind person I had ever met.  I don’t remember a whole lot about the class, except when I had to carry around a sack of sugar – pretending like it was a baby during our genetics lesson.  But, I do remember loving Mrs. Blevins and wanting her to be my friend … not just my teacher.  I am pretty sure I wrote her letters all the time and I also would visit her before school started.  I used every amount of time I could to see and be around her.

I very clearly remember my 8th grade year – on the last day of school.

    

   (Me, Kim Guilbeaux, and Genevieve Strickland on the last day of 8th grade)

I got “saved” in the 6th grade and ran around the school telling all of my friends that I got “saved” and they could too!  Even two years later, the enthusiasm had not died down and my goal of 8th grade was to get Mrs. Blevins “saved”!!!  We had not had a conversation about her salvation, but all I knew was that I could not leave Middle School (thinking I would never see her again – because she was pregnant with her daughter, Kate – and was not returning to teaching) unsure of her salvation.  I went to her classroom after school was over with all intentions of witnessing to her!! Unfortunately Trayce Boudoin was occupying her time – so I could not tell her all I wanted to tell her.

It is funny now, because she was a Christian already and I had NO idea at that point in my life that she would become one of my greatest supporters.  Not just financially, but spiritually and emotionally.  Over the years since 8th grade – Lori (Mrs. Blevins) Teague has been an amazing friend to me.  She has literally kept up with me since the summer after my 8th grade year – through letters, phone calls, and emails.  Her support has helped carry me through some of the most difficult seasons of my life – in particular, when my precious friend Jared, was suffering with brain cancer.  Her love, encouragement, support and prayers brought light into a very dark situation in my life.

She has been a huge fan of everything I have done and has been very verbal about how much she believes in me!  It means so much to know that she is always there – cheering me on!  I know that no matter where I go and no matter what I do – Lori Teague believes in me!  It is because of Lori and a few others that I find the courage to do what I feel like God is calling me to do …. because I know that no matter what that is – she will support me!

I love you Lori (Mrs. Blevins) Teague – and I am unbelievably thankful that God brought you into my life when I was 13 years old.  You have changed my life in so many ways – I can never express to you what your love and support means to me!