strangerthan

I love summer.  I am resting.  I am checking things off my list of projects.  I am catching up with friends.  So far, this summer has been a time to recharge and refocus my perspective.  It as amazing how rest, friends, family and warm weather can help bring me back to a full-of-faith state of being.  I am seeing God answer prayers in the lives of my friends and family…which, of course, adds to my faithful feeling.

Here are some of our adventures so far:

Lots of swimming!

Since discovering Facebook, I haven’t been blogging.  For shame, bad blogger.  Chastisement aside, I have much news. 

This spring I once again suffered through the torment of job insecurity.  As a result of staff cuts, I was let go from my job and in search of another teaching position.  Fortunately, I was able to land one in the nearby district of Mancos.  Mancos High School is a tiny school of about 100 students.  I will essentially be the English department and have my students for at least three of their four years in high school.  I am very excited to teach in this small, community school and the twenty minute (stunningly gorgeous and traffic free) commute seems trivial to an ex-Californian.  So, thank you to all who have been praying for our financial security…God has made a way.  I am taking quite a pay cut to teach in Mancos, but it seems we can still meet our financial responsibilities.  So, come fall, I am planning to be a Fighting Blue Jay.

The stress of having my job in jeopardy once again, definitely took it’s toll.  It is frustrating to be good at your job and have an arbitrary decision making process decide your fate.  My pride does not allow me to suffer very graciously under what seems to be foolishness.  Looking back, it was good for my pride to suffer and for my humility and contentment to mature, but it wasn’t a smooth process.  Contracting shingles in the midst of job interviews was a tangible reminder of my emotional upheaval.

Fortunately, this summer has begun! I am fully enjoying my stay-at-home mom life once again.  The house is clean, I have much time to spend with my kids, I get to see more of my friends and my husband - I love summer.  After a very difficult spring, this summer is all about rest and recovery.  We are staying close to home this summer to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer (not much of a sacrifice!) and I hope to read many good books.  Many people long for adventure during their summer break, and quite frankly, I’ve had all the excitement I can stand.  Hooray for a restful, relaxing, stay-at-home summer….and I promise to blog more often.