Last April of 2016 our house was in chaos. Between Sam leaving on a two year mission for our church, Jerry starting his own consulting/seed business, Katey moving three times, closing my salon and starting back to college, we have been in chaos. In all that, Grace finished middle school and will be a freshman this fall. But I'm not dwelling on the past year, I'm celebrating the now! Our family has come through the toughest year ever and we are thriving! We are seeing the starting over points come to fruition and it makes me so grateful for the love God shows us each and every day.
In January I took a job in Pierre SD which is three hours from my home. I loved all of my co-workers and loved serving in the capacity as an Early Childhood Specialist in my office. It was an adjustment and with it being winter Jerry was able to handle the day to day managing of our house and making sure Grace got to orthodontist appointments and school functions. Then spring came and his consulting business took off! Katey stepped up and helped chauffeur when necessary since she is living at home and going to school/working full-time. During this time I was finishing my Associates degree in Child Development. I graduated in May with honors and we continued on. Grace tried out for Color Guard for this fall at the high school and made it and is super excited! And we continued on.....But somehow, God knows when you need something else. I was recently offered a position as a director and teacher in a private preschool near my home in Brandon. After thought, conversations and prayer, I said I would take it. This job is almost identical to the position I had in Tracy MN before we moved. I loved working with the kids and parents so much and still keep in touch with some of them! So, I am starting over also for all the right reasons.
I found the blog I had written for my preschool in Minnesota one day while studying, or lack of studying. I have to say it brought tears to my eyes. My first class of preschoolers will be in 8th grade this fall. I looked at pictures of bulletin boards, field trips, class parties and graduations. I had a job that I was passionate about and loved. I loved being able to be a part of all of the kiddos firsts. First time away from Mom and Dad, first time zipping a coat, first time they would be a big brother or sister and the first time they wrote their name. I was blessed and I can't wait to meet the new kiddos this fall in my new position!
I view teaching as serving. I am serving parents, children, communities and the staff I work with on a daily basis. I am bringing my experience, attitude, hopes and drive with me everyday I go to work. I am responsible for creating an environment that is positive and full of love. I can choose to make it a good experience for everyone I come in contact with or I can choose to make it negative. I choose to be positive and I am grateful to have the opportunity to start over in a field where my passion lies and serve.
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Ghandi
Happy 4th of July everyone!
From our home to yours,
Shelly
No comments:
Post a Comment