goodbye

After much prayer and discernment, Keith and I decided to begin a new chapter in life and ministry. Keith accepted a job at church in southwest Atlanta. But, of course we cannot begin a new chapter without first closing another. 


At the end of March, we told our church family in Hohenwald that we were moving. We spent April ministering alongside and soaking up time with dear friends who, over the past three and a half years, have become more like family. We are humbled and thankful for their loving and supportive response to our leaving. 


Then, for the next five weeks we were able to take time to rest up and recharge. We spent time looking for a house, vacationing at the beach, and visiting friends and family. We drove 5,000 miles and spent time in nine different states. It was a treat, indeed. 


This week, we’ve been back in Hohenwald finishing packing, preparing for and having a garage sale, and spending a bit more time with sweet friends. Tonight is our last night in Hohenwald, and after a busy and tiring week, we were able to eat and enjoy time with special friends: friends who have shown us what it means to love unconditionally; friends who have demonstrated patience again and again; friends who have sacrificed their time, energy, and giftedness to bless us; friends who have loved us like family; friends who welcomed our precious boy into this world and loved him like their own; and friends who have supported and encouraged us as we close this chapter and begin a new one. We will forever be thankful for our time in Hohenwald and for our precious church family. 


Not only are we saying goodbye to people, but we’re also saying goodbye to this town. I will miss the way in which its small size makes it easy for me to find my way around and quick to get from one place to another. I will miss seeing someone I know almost every time we go to the grocery store or out to eat. 


In addition to our town, we also are saying goodbye to our neighborhood. I will miss my almost daily walks pushing Carson in the stroller and stopping to chat with neighbors. I will miss the familiar greetings from the older folks and the children that we’ve gotten to know. I will miss neighborhood kids who come over to visit and play with my boy. I will miss hearing Chase holler, “Hey Carson!” when we go out to play. I will miss having good friends living right next door and the ease in which that allows us to share meals and conversations. I will miss the familiar and comfortable way Carson knows our sweet neighbors. 


Furthermore, we are saying goodbye to our house and the memories it holds. Memories of time with one another snuggled on the couch for a TV show, cooking a meal together, hosting out of town family, sharing meals and game nights with friends, and tucking my boy in bed in his sweet and cozy room. This is the house where we brought Carson home and began learning to be parents, where we spent time almost every day hanging out on our big front porch, and where Carson took his first steps. It is the only home my sweet Carson has ever known. He knows it is "you house!" Moving 14 hours from my family and the only home I’d ever known was scary, but somehow this house has always helped make me feel at home and like I belong, and for that I am and will always be thankful. 


I’m anticipating the next chapter, but for tonight, my last night in Hohenwald, I’m savoring the last few sentences in this chapter. Thank you, Hohenwald, for all that you mean to my family and me. We love you.

teaching school is the job for me, i just can't help it:)

Hey friends. Long time, no blog, I know. We're still enjoying life in Tennessee. The summer has been eventful and fun! About a month ago, I got to fly to Texas to visit some family and friends. Best of all, I got to SURPRISE my mom at her retirement party...sooo fun! My mom was a fabulous teacher for many years, and it was an honor to be there to celebrate with her! Here is a copy of the letter that I wrote for her retirement. But, first a couple pictures of us! The first one was right after she first saw me...SURPRISE!

Dearest Mama,

In reflecting upon your upcoming retirement, I want you to know that because of you…

I work to create a classroom environment that’s loving, welcoming, and warm.

I want to make every child feel loved.

I try to give a little extra love to those who are harder to love.

I look for strengths in every student.

I survive off of hugs.

I sit in the floor.

I touch children that are not clean.

I wipe noses and bottoms when I need to.

I listen to each child’s story.

I work to develop a sense of community within my classroom.

I try to look at learning through the eyes of a child.

I try to make learning fun and engaging.

I watch children play.

I play with children.

I realize the value of relationship with other teachers.

I try to encourage other teachers.

Thank you for making me want to be a teacher. When you were worn out or frustrated with the job, those things did not consume you, because teaching and engaging with little children is who you are. Teaching has never just been a job for you, it has been your identity for many years. I know you are going to miss spending your days with three and four year olds, but I am thankful that you are moving on while you still love it. You are not waiting until you burn out just to draw a paycheck, afraid of what the future holds; you are closing a very full chapter, anxiously waiting to open the next one. You will spend your days with family, with friends, and with lonely people who need a friend. You will do chores and run errands for people who need help. You will make things grow in your garden and cook delicious food in your kitchen. You will share both of those with other people. Whether these things fill your days or you decide to take up quilting, open a restaurant, or run for school board, I know that whatever you do, you will be a blessing to those around you. Thank you for all that you have done to make me who I am today.

I love you!

Mindy

My teaching career is about to shift gears...A LOT! In just a few weeks, I'll begin teaching 6th grade English. I LOVED teaching first grade, enjoyed my short stint in 4th grade last spring, and am looking forward to a new challenge in 6th grade! During my mom's 25 years of teaching, she taught everything from Pre-K three-year-olds to high school seniors. I am thankful for her loving wisdom as I embark on this new adventure! Middle school here I come:)

change

Over the last couple of weeks, our move is starting to feel real. We are beginning to pack a few boxes and say some good-byes, and though we are really excited about Hohenwald, we are also really sad to leave Abilene. This area has always been home to me. It's all I've ever known, so living somewhere different is exciting, but also sad and a little scary. I've never lived more than an hour from my mom, dad, and sister, and now I'll be over 13 hours away. I've never taught anywhere except Bonham, a school full of teachers and students who are so dear to me. So, like I said, I'm really excited about the future, but I'm sad to leave the past here too. We would really appreciate your prayers as we begin this transition, as we close this first chapter of our life together and move away from the town where we fell in love, got married, and have lived life for so long now. We will miss Abilene, Texas. It is a special place. We'll miss ACU, Bonham, Maryneal, UCC, Highland, our house, friends, and family.