A Season of Change

Well, here we are at seven months pregnant, and reality is definitely starting to kick in. Today I finished registering and picked our pediatrician. All that is really left is ordering the rocker and slowly setting up the nursery. Baby A has continued to grow (obviously!) and will be here before you know it. Aaron and I are so excited to welcome him, although we are hanging on to these last few weeks alone together. Our lives are soon going to be completely changed, although I welcome the night I finally get to sleep on my stomach again!

Today was the beginning of the end in terms of my teaching career (for now), as I turned in my resignation. As of September 2011, I will no longer hold a teaching post. As I wrote the letter last night, I cried and cried. I attributed much of my distress to my wacky hormones, but I definitely felt a deep sense of loss. Whoever thought that this career would be so precious to me? As I told my principal today, for someone who never aspired to be a teacher until her senior year of college and still doubted herself after that, teaching has been a pleasant surprise. Here is the majority of the letter I submitted today, which perfectly explains my feelings:

Having the opportunity to serve here has been such a blessing for me, and I have learned a great deal about life, the world, and myself in my three years of teaching. I believe that my experiences as a teacher have more than aptly prepared me for parenthood, future jobs, and life in general. I leave with the knowledge that I am a changed person: I have never worked so hard or cared as much as when I was a teacher. Memories here will forever hold a special place in my heart.

There have been many occasions in which I wished to thank you for bringing me here. Even though my interview was short, you somehow saw something worthwhile in me, and it made all the difference. This job has been so much more to me than just a paycheck: I have learned, laughed, cried, failed, and succeeded in all manners of things. Without this experience, I would not have gained nearly as much as a person. Thank you for giving me such a job that has added so much meaning and clarity to my life.

It is not without a degree of a sadness that I leave. By my departure, I lose a large circle of support in relationships. I will not be greeted by the smiles of students who regale me with tales of their weekend adventures, nor will I enjoy the warmth and contentment found in relationships with coworkers. I will miss challenging myself and my students as we better ourselves not only in our studies, but as human beings as well.

Leaving this and all else will be difficult, but I know that my new life will carry new challenges and experiences that will continue to mold and make me. As I am not sure what my future holds, I would ask that you remember me in the future, whether it be for a reference or a position. If ever I am in need of employment and there is something available, know that I will always do my best for you.

On a similar note, please pray for all the teachers and their families during these weeks of layoffs. There is so much uncertainty in education right now, and there is so much at stake. Praise God for comfort and strength in these times. I know He will take care of us!

Love to all...