The return to the classroom included Abigail this year. So excited was she for the big day that 5 o'clock Monday morning found two little girls full of giggles "sneaking" into my room! She shares a room with her sissy and that level of enthusiasm is most certainly contagious! She was perfectly adorable in her uniform with her oversized backpack and lunch bag. The downside, however, is that she sported huge black circles under her eyes the entire day! Poor thing was WORN OUT so badly from her lack of sleep that she barely enjoyed her first school experience. The next day was much better!
All the kids have begun to settle in nicely to the new school year. They come home tired but happy! I am excited to see the growth that will take place this year under the tireless efforts of their wonderful teachers!!
Monday morning also started a new adventure for me as I entered the Pre K/K classroom. I'm going to be honest here...by the end of that day I was in a bit of a panic! Fifteen children seemed like thirty and I was certain I was in over my head. I wondered at where all the "experience" of taking care of and homeschooling my own five children had gone. I felt overwhelmed and clueless. I came home that night and forced myself to get through supper and chores and baths and worship. I was exhausted! But the Lord is faithful to renew our strength to meet the challenges of each new day. He didn't leave me to wallow in that pitiful condition...He picked me up and carried me through the next day. By Wednesday it occurred to me that I was really starting to like it. By Thursday I knew everything was going to be alright when I realized that these little people were already starting to wiggle their way straight into my heart. Adults could learn so much from children, if they just stopped long enough to pay attention. They are so quick to forgive and eager to be friends. There is no pretense. What you see is what you get. The classroom teacher (I am the classroom assistant) is gifted at remaining calm and drawing them in with a gentle voice. Each day her consistently loving management of the classroom brought about a bit more order. I have a really good feeling that this year is going to bring with it a tremendous amount of fun!!
I briefly visited Camp Blue Ridge yesterday evening. Visited with friends. Finally returned the little grill that had been packed in the moving truck by Stanley with this note attached...
Took a 4-wheeler ride passed our old house. It all made me very homesick. It is so strange to feel torn between two places. My heart is still very much up on that mountain. But at the same time I am adjusting to life in a new home and days spent at a new job. Makes me very thankful that the Lord saw fit to take us from one place that brought us such joy to another where we are also filled to overflowing! I know I have done nothing to deserve all the good things that fill our lives, but I am forever grateful! I think the greatest lesson I have learned from all this is that I am always safe to put my complete trust in Him. Because even with everything around me unfamiliar and sometimes lonesome (go figure with 5 kids!), He will be there to fill that void and walk with me to the other side.
Like the kids in our classroom who came in unsettled and scared and needing that reassuring hand to help them across the abyss of the unknown, I need the gentle hand of my Saviour! So thankful that He always has it extended!
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