13 Hours of Rain

I'm done. No more teaching for a while. Friday was my last day. Yet, it felt strange. Almost anticlimactic . I sat through a professional development session out of obligation; listened to Administration speak about registration procedures for a second semester that I will not be part of; received a "mention" in regards to my maternity leave; made a solo trip out for some Japanese fast-food; and spent the remainder of the afternoon clearing out personal items from my classroom. A few colleagues stopped to say goodbye and good luck. I handed in my keys and walked out the doors neither happy or sad. Just neutral. Whatever. Maybe I'll see you all later. Maybe not. Only God knows. Interestingly enough, out of all the schools that I have taught at, this was the one I was the least attached to. Why? A combination of factors are to blame. The school was quite large and it was hard to make personal connections with staff. My classroom was located in an isolated section of the...

A new year has arrived. An entire decade has past. The last ten years have been filled with many adventures and numerous changes. Teaching overseas. Completing graduate studies. Beginning a new chapter in my career. Falling in love and getting married. Partnering in bringing a new life into this world. I am grateful for God's gracious blessings in my life. As I stand at the beginning of a New Year, I am poised for new changes. Transitioning from full-time teacher to full-time homemaker. Welcoming another life into our little family. Granting myself grace and time to return to my pre -pregnancy form. Anticipating new employment for my husband. Possibly moving locations to support my husband's career. All these thoughts fill me with hope, excitement, and anxiety. Yet, I am desiring more than the natural life changes that I will encounter. I pray for a deeper relationship with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In a way, I have plateaued in my spiritual growth. I understand that su...