Didn't think I'd have to say goodbye...

This week, as I was driving back from the Messiah area (where my parents live), I received a call from Messiah asking if I would be interested in the possibility of RDing again. After two months of vacation in the PA area, I was fully ready (and excited) to return to Marion and jump deeply into what it was that would be before me. And yet, when the call came, I knew this was the next step and so, after some thought, talking with friends, and prayer, I told them that I was indeed interested.

The next day we did an 'on campus' interview via skype (one of the weirdest experiences of my life) and I was told that I would hear something back either the next day (Thur) or at the latest, Friday. At 3:30 on Thursday afternoon I received the offer and I accepted.

I am thrilled for the opportunity of heading back to Messiah, of working in Res Life again, and of the possibilities of what the Grantham/Harrisburg area has for me. And yet, the change is so quick, so abrupt, that I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye to any of my students.

So, although they probably will never find this site, I thought I would take the time to utter my goodbyes to them, to Marion Schools, and to my wonderful co-workers, the Bilingual Specialists within Grant County.

Students:
Thank you for who each of you are. Last year was full of all sorts of surprises, most of which were directly linked to each of you and who are you. I love your honesty, your sense of style, your attitudes, your senses of humor, and your loyalty. Thanks for being true to who you are and for allowing me the privilege of eavesdropping on your lives. I love each of you.

Marion Schools/Teachers therein:
Thank you for your commitment to making Marion schools the best that they can be. In only a short year I caught a glimpse of the hours and hours you spend getting ready for the school day, instructing, and all of the ongoing work that accompanies this job. I have truly been inspired by your love and passion for the subjects you teach and for your even greater love and passion for each of your students. I want to take the time to thank you. You ARE making a difference.

Co-workers of mine:
Thanks for welcoming me onto the team this past year. I have enjoyed getting to know each of you. You each are so special, so unique, and such advocates for the marginalized in this community. Thank you for loving so extravagantly. I will miss each of you.