Things are finally starting to slow down, at least for a little while. May was a busy month. 

Speech and Drama awards

My little sister graduated from high school! It seems like yesterday and yet so long ago that I was rocking her early morning before school, rushing to be the first to hold and feed her, dressing and redressing her as a doll,watching her learn to crawl then walk, say her first words, start kindergarten, and bring so much joy and laughter to others. I have fought with her (as sisters do), fought for her as others were unkind, cried with her when life got really hard, laughed together, and served alongside each other in New Mexico. I proudly watched her, dressed in cap and gown, walk down that aisle and receive her diploma. I cried tears of joy, knowing that although this road has not been easy for her, she hasn't given up. She's come so far. I look ahead with anticipation to the big things I know she can do. 

My niece graduated from preschool this past weekend. Time flies. I think back five years ago to when she was born and now she's getting ready to start kindergarten. Before I know it she'll be graduating high school, just like my sister. I"m learning to enjoy the snuggles, the tea parties, and dress up time while they last.

last school picture

Also, Charleston Christian Academy had to close its doors at the completion of this school year.

Mariah and Makenna

It was very difficult to say goodbye to my students and their families. God has been so faithful to us throughout the eleven years our school has been open. What memories we've made and how closely we've bonded. I am amazed at how far God has brought me since my first year of teaching. I didn't cry until I opened a couple of letters from students and they shared the impact I've had on them. If I impacted one student for eternity, it was worth it all.

Since our school was closing I had to pack up everything in my classroom (after 11 years I had quite a bit) and take it home to sort. After weeks of sorting, donating, and repacking boxes, the end is in sight. My mother will finally have her family room again. I was able to pack a lot of my teaching/classroom materials in five totes and after much weighing and reorganizing send them on their way to the Dominican. A big thank you goes out to Broadway Christian Church for providing the finances to ship all these things!

I finally got to see what my classroom will look like. Right now it's a 2nd grade classroom, but with the number of students moving up it will be 3rd grade next year. I can't wait to arrive and start setting up. Then, just a short few weeks later I will have a classroom full of eager, energetic students.

I have been working through many steps toward getting my VISA. God has been so good to me and I haven't encountered any setbacks. It has definitely been a learning process, making sure I have all the paperwork done accurately. I am waiting on final approval from the Dominican consulate and will be ready to go. My plane ticket is booked and I am set to leave July 17th. 

This summer is much different for me. The past four summers I've spent in New Mexico at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch. It is hard for me not to be a part of the BABR staff. My heart misses the late night chats with counselors and campers, the laughter of skit nights and water fights, the brilliant stars at campfire, the tears of changed lives. But, we all share the same purpose- to show God's love and grace to a hurting world- wherever that may be. On the plus side, I've had some wonderful time with family and friends here at home. I'm able to enjoy the little things like lightning bugs (reminds me of when I'd catch them in a jar when I was younger), the fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer's market, going on the summer youth group trips, and going to the pool (which I seem to miss every summer). My time is limited, but I will enjoy making memories...