I moved to Atlanta the day after my sister's wedding in August of 1998 with a friend with whom I had just graduated from Hendrix. I had visited Atlanta and secured a job (Avondale Elem.) in DeKalb County over the previou months and was excited to have a job, move away from Arkansas, and be an independent, employeed college graduate.
I met John about a month later and the rest is history...yet another strange happening in my life that seemed too good to be true. That story is also interesting.
So, three years after that, we are married, have a house, and I weasel my way into Livsey and into one of the most rewarding parts of my life as a teacher to some of the best kids and families I have ever known.
To leave all of that was a very unexpected decision. Three weeks ago I was ready to come back to Livsey as a 5th grade teacher, something I had wanted to be for many years. I knew the students because I had taught them the previous year. I knew the families and had their blessings to teach them again. I was really excited.
It seemed perfect, and yet, out of nowhere, it became incredibly apparent to me that I couldn't go back. I knew that if I did, I would not be what those kids deserved because I was beginning to go through a transformation. A break was what I needed and time to decide what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. Being with my family more, both physically and emotionally, was at the front of my mind and though I know I will return to the classroom in some capacity, I can't say what that will be.
Right now I am relishing a cup of coffee after sending my kids off to school on the first day that I am no longer impacting kids directly and daily in my own classroom. I am going to do laundry, clean the kitchen, and plan dinner so that when John comes home, he will know how much I appreciate his support while I work things out for myself. I don't know what I would do without him.
There is no doubt in my mind that God has His hand in this. There have been so many signs...too many to mention-and some that shouldn't be mentioned. I had been searching for more and He decided three weeks ago that it was time for more. It just came in a way that I never expected...nor could I control.
Isn't that the way it always works? You search and search and just when you think you have found nothing, you are shown the very thing you never knew you needed? I am so thankful for my journey and am at peace with my choice to leave my safe little Livsey world. I just wish I could take the kids and families I love with me!
