grown-up?

I've been overwhelmed with various emotions the last few weeks.  Leaving the familiar excites and terrifies me all at the same time.  I love this place I have called home for the last five years.  Going to dorm devos last night reminded me of how much I have grown here, changed here, been molded here.  I met the love of my life in this place and we are ready to embark on a new adventure.  

I'm not ready to leave these third graders, tears fill my eyes when I think about not seeing them everyday.  I know that I can't control what happens to them, but when I am teaching them I can.  I can give them a safe place, but thinking of leaving them breaks me to the core.  Each is different and beautiful in his or her own way and I will be leaving a piece of my heart behind with each one.  I've never met a child who conveys the message of Christ through her actions like I did this semester.  She has floored me with her kindness, fairness, and concern for others.  She will change the world.  I love each student, all uniquely and I have been so blessed to spend my days with them.  In no way was each day perfect, but I would not trade it for anything.  Assignments are complete, now to just to enjoy my last few days with them, soaking up memories and funny sayings.

I'm not ready for her to go, yeah her.  The one who I have been attached at the hip with since I moved into Kenoyer hall.  We've never spent more than a summer apart since that day, and now she is moving ten hours away.  She will change the world, love the St. Jude kids like no one's business and become a Tennessee girl.  Growing up, this sucks.  Mark-o is a lucky guy.

I love this town.  Java. Radina's. Pita Pit. MCC. Family Nights with Jared. Growing up with my bff Alex.  Holding hands with Mr. Wilde. Our first home.  Suite 303, 301, and 302. ACME gift. Bluemont Elementary School. My wonderful, beautiful, phenomenal cooperating teacher. Pier 1. Aunt Ruth's spaghetti. Seeing God move here.

I was reminded this weekend of what He did for me.  Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.  Sin is broken.  This is not the end.  Not only will I spend eternity with my savior, but I will see him again.  I will.  The one I have missed everyday for the last six and a half years.  He will meet my wonderful husband and love him.  He will meet the friends I have met later in life and see how his story changed me forever.  I do not deserve one ounce of grace that I have received, but I am forever grateful to Jesus.  My life has purpose and meaning.  It is not because of the job I may or may not get, the decor in my home, my future kids, my marriage, the things I DO, but it's because of Him. It's all about Him, it will always be about Him, and it always has been about Him.

Wow, that was a lot of rambling, but that's what happens when your portfolio is finished and lesson planning is done.

Mrs. Wilde