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...