New Kid on the Block

It has been four long years since I have been the "new kid" at school. I was at my previous school for four years and prior to that I had spent 3 wonderful years at Clearwater Christian College. So, being the "new kid" was a forgotten experience for me. I remembered again how much I dislike being "new." Here are some of "little" things I learned about being new... 1. Doors sometimes "magically" lock behind you...take your keys 2. The copier may LOOK like your old one...but all the buttons are different and the copier KNOWS you are new and tries to make a monkey out of you. 3. Every staff fridge has the same stuff in it...not sure how...but they all do. As I got dressed for that first day at my new job...I found my mind racing. I KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was doing the right thing. I KNEW God had directed my path here through circumstances I can now only begin to appreciate on this side of them (and I still do not know fully how God orchestrated the whole thing). Yet, at the same time, I had butterflies like never before. Would the kids like me? Would I be able to meet all those different learning needs in one classroom at one time? Would they be excited to learn? What problems would we face? Would my management plan work out ok? Would I be able to handle THREE new preps? Then I started my first day. I met wonderful co-workers who were people who loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him with their lives. I met students who were excited to love Jesus openly. I knew it would all be ok. I stood firm in the fact that I KNEW God had moved me to this place. I do not know what He is going to do with me there, but I do know this...I want to be a part of whatever that is. I got to the end of my very first day with no major hick-ups at all...except for some ants who made my coffee creamer their new home. We start week two next week and I am excited (don't get me wrong, I plan to ENJOY my saturday off) but I am eagar to see how my kids do on their first tests and quizzes. Not sure how blogging is going to fit into my next couple of months. We are busier than ever as a couple these days. Last time I wrote I mentioned my new petition that I was bringing to the Lord...challenging myself to seek the Lord daily about HIS plans for our family/children. I cannot tell you that I have an answer yet but I do have peace that HE will meet that desire in His way and in His timing. I have begun the process of investigating foster adoption. Emotionally, I am not sure if I am ready to do that YET, but I am burdened for those kids. They are the "least of these" let me tell you. If you think of us, pray for us. We are healing better than I ever thought we would. Had you told me a year ago that I would be pregnant twice in a calendar year and not have any babies to show for it by the end, I would have told you that I would never be able to make it through emotions like that. I will not deny that I am a different person because of it. Heaven seems much sweeter to me. Tears come easier and joys are so happy they are almost tangible. I find myself not sweating the "small stuff" like I used to. The Lord is my Shepherd and I am realizing what that means in a whole new way. He is leading me to green pastures and still waters and He is restoring my soul. Unless you know Him and have allowed Him to walk you through the valley, you will not understand what I am talking about. Keep praying...I know the Lord is working because I have already seen it.