Another year.

Today was the last day of my 9th year of teaching. 9 years?!? How can that even be possible? It still amazes me that everyday I get to wake up and do something that I love.

Today was much different than the previous 8 years of last days. I didn't have a classroom of kids to hug goodbye. I didn't have the frantic end of the year shuffling of papers. It was a very strange feeling but also a feeling of complete happiness.

Today was a great feeling knowing that I have accomplished a lot this year. I didn't know what my year would look like, starting in my new position. It has been an absolutely amazing year. It has come with a lot of growing pains but at the end of the day I have complete joy.

Today marks the start of summer. A time to relax and get to all the things I've been putting off all year. I am excited about starting new projects and reading books! It also is a time for me to reflect more on this past year and start planning for the next year!

Today is fabulous.

Life. Love. And the pursuit of Happiness.

Life.
I have a pretty amazing life. The best family and friends a person could ask for. A job that makes me incredibly happy and I serve a God that loves me unconditionally.

Love.
I have found love through my family and friends. I know that they care about me and would do anything for me. I know that God has shown his love for me by sending his son to die on the cross for my sins.

The pursuit of Happiness.
There is one part of my life that has yet to be fulfilled. I wish that someday I will find the perfect person for me. I know that God has someone for me and I can't wait for the day I meet him! Until that day, I will be patient and enjoy the happiness that is already in my life!

My heart is broken.

There are no words to express the way that I feel after hearing what happened in Conneticut. As a teacher and someone that would do anything for the students I work with, I understand the length that those teachers and workers went to protect their students. I would put my life on the line for any and all of the students in my school.

I am a teacher.
But I am not only a teacher....
 I am the wiper of tears,
 the hugger on hard days,
 the listening ear when things aren't going their way,
 the cheerleader in their corner,
 the banker when they don't have the money for something,
 the protector when bad things happen,
 the one who will push them to their potential.

I would absolutely take a bullet for any of the students in my school. I think any teacher would. It is our responsibility to protect them and love them.

I will continue to pray and seek God on how to handle and understand the horrific events this past weekend. I will also pray and thank God that he says in James 4:8....Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.