Mile Markers

So, there's been some major milestone moments in the last week. I've actually been wanting to write for days, but it has been so busy...

Last Thursday, FB was approved for his visa!! When I read his email that night letting me know, I cried for about half an hour. Off and on, but 30 minutes easily. It was such a relief. It is a really big deal for him to be able to come and meet my family and friends before I move down. And he thinks that it is good for the next 10 YEARS! We're waiting until he actually gets it in the mail to be sure, but that would be awesome...to not have to worry about the paperwork for 10 years of visits, etc. That is an awesome example of our Heavenly Father doing something exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think.

The next day, Friday, was my last day with the students at school. I was all prepared to cry my way through that, but never actually shed a tear. I did get a little teary-eyed here and there, but that was it. I gave all of them hugs, waved to all as the buses drove away, and felt surprisingly little. I decided this week that God knew what he was doing when He built in such a long period of transition for me. I have never been good with change, but having such a long transition made me very ready to close this chapter and move on to the next. I don't think anyone likes living in transition.

Today was my last day with the whole staff. I did cry some today. My boss gave me flowers and a gift card in front of everyone, making the expected (although heartfelt) parting words. We had a time of 'popcorn thanks' where anyone who wanted could stand up and thank someone for whatever. I was doing pretty good through that, until one woman who has been a solid friend for the last 5 years totally lost it while thanking me for being there for her. She is the kind of person I wouldn't name at the top of my 'closest, most important friends' list, but that I have a depth of friendship with that I will miss. After that, I have been on the verge of tears when anyone stopped to talk to me. The friendships I have here at work....it finally hit me today how much I will miss some of these people. I will still see most of them - I plan on popping in at the beginning of the school year, many of the ones I am closest to I will get together with, etc. But I am going to move away soon, and I felt that tearing today. It is hard to feel the true reality of leaving the place I have worked for the last 7 years (the same building I went to school in for 13 years!).

In a little over 17 hours I leave for Mexico for an 11 day visit. Hooray! So I am not sure if I'll be posting while I am gone. I may try to stop in a cyber cafe and jot a few notes for you all, we'll see. I am just so excited to see my man. :)

So, there you have the gamut of my emotions of late, compiled quickly in between things that need to get done before I leave. I'm off to finish packing...

The little things help

Here's a quote from a quick email I received from FB today:

"Yo se que nuestro Dios es fiel, ciertamente todo esto ha sido dificil pero mi Cristo es mas Grande y Poderoso. Gracias por tus palabras, me dan fuerza para continuar."

And for those who don't speak Spanish:

"I know that our God is faithful, certainly all this has been difficult but my Christ is Greater and More Powerful. Thank you for your words, they give me strength to continue."

Then he closed:
"Te mando muchos besos, mi hermosa Mujer."
or "I send you many kisses, my beautiful Woman."

My apologies to those who'd rather avoid the mushy things in life, but it meant a lot to me. Especially considering that I'm on day 3 of a 4 day wait to talk again, that quick little email was a big deal, and a real encouragement for me.

I keep thinking about posting...

...but most of what is going on with me right now isn't/can't be public information. So every time I sat down and thought about posting, I sort of hit a brick wall. Plus, in case you didn't pick it up from my last, very short post - life was a little crazy last week. But I decided to try sharing some of the emotions without the situational details I can't get into.

There are some situations in my fiance's life right now that leave my usually confident man feeling pretty unsure about what God is doing right now. That in itself is a bit unsettling for me, but the situation impacts us both in some very real ways that are a bit difficult. And in talking that out, we came as close as we ever have to a fight. Nothing huge, and in some ways comforting to me to walk through and come out the other side intact. Needless to say, long distance conversations on these issues is not ideal, and that upcoming visit is looking better and better (11 days and counting...).

For me, there is an area I feel I have waited in for a really long time - and have recently discovered that I may have to wait even longer. So it was interesting to read OTRgirl's post about resting in the Lord. It made me realize that I am sort of avoiding the Lord on this issue. I sort of forced myself to prayer journal last night, which is a step in the right direction. But I think I really need to just wait on Him a bit (which requires purposefully carving out some time).

Finally, last week was just full of feeling like people were working against me instead of with me. Students doing stupid things I expect, especially at the end of the year. Teachers and parents though - come on!

Anyways, I should get back to work. Maybe now that I've gotten past the brick wall, I'll be able to write again soon...

Yuck

I am the only principal in the building today. And I woke up with a really bad headache. And everyone just needs to quit being so obnoxious and just behave themselves - staff and students alike.

Sorry. Needed a moment to vent.