The end of one season, the beginning of another

I'm finally done. I've been working non-stop for the past month to get everything ready for the new teacher, and on Friday, I finished my last obligations, after only two hours of sleep. It's a relief to have that burden removed, but it's hard to have to say goodbye. I've cried just about every day for the past week or more at the thought of leaving my students. On Tuesday, my 6th graders blessed me with a surprise going away party, complete with cards, two slideshows, gifts, balloons, confetti, and lots of hugs. I can't tell you how special they made me feel. Below is one of the slideshows, which makes me cry every time I watch it.






As heartbroken as I am to leave, I thank God for having blessed me with relationships that are wonderful enough to make me cry at the thought of not being able to continue them in the same way as before. I am also grateful that I am going home to amazing relationships and that God has made it clear to me that it is time to go home. He confirmed my decision further by providing a woman from the States who lives in Honduras and is married to a Honduran to take my place. She was interested in working at our school before I ever decided to leave but didn't think she'd have the opportunity until next school year. She was able to observe my class on two different days, and I was able to explain to her in person many things she needed to know about the school, my students, and my teaching methods.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:...a time to plant and a time to uproot...a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away...I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. " ~Ecclesiastes 3

Bittersweet times

I've been praying about and debating a decision for months. A few weeks ago, I finally decided that, due to health reasons, I can't continue to be the teacher my students need me to be for them. I informed my bosses and then the board that I won't be coming back to Honduras after Christmas. This week, I told my coworkers, then my students' parents, and today my students. I know before God that this is what I need to do, but it was so hard to tell my 6th graders. I've been their teacher for the past year and a half, and they have a special place in my heart. I was expecting some tears and some "woohoo"s, but I was surprised. Almost every 6th grader cried, even the boys, and even the ones who always give me a hard time. It was so bittersweet, because after a really tough week of feeling disliked and unappreciated by my students, it was obvious that they really do love me and like having me as their teacher. I'm so grieved to be causing them such sadness, but I know it's the right thing to do. I have a ton of work to do to prepare things for the teacher that will replace me, and it's going to be a rough transition for everyone, so please keep us in your prayers. Thanks.

"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it." ~1 Corinthians 3:10