05/09/2024
Eight years ago, I stood in the front yard of The Schoolhouse and cried. My family had worked so hard to make this “dream school” of mine a reality, and I was scared to death that we would do all the work and no one would come.
Today, I stood in the front yard and cried again, but this time I was hugging one of my 19 current students who has been with me since the beginning. I felt the need to make sure she knew that I loved her. No one told me these kids and their families would become my family too. But they certainly have.
Over the last eight years, over 40 students have been a part of The Schoolhouse. I will forever treasure the ways that I have been invited into these families’ lives. The happy moments, the deep sorrows, the multitude of prayer requests both big and small, the struggles we’ve walked through together, the many field trips in Big Blue, and the deep make-your-sides-ache laughs we’ve shared. And all these moments I’ve been able to share with my own children and husband by my side. I don’t deserve such blessings of God but I am so thankful nonetheless.
I am thankful not only for the students, but for the ladies who have come beside me to support my dream…most of them never believing that they could be a teacher. It’s been such a privilege to see each one flourish in that role in their own special way. I cannot begin to express what each of these ladies has brought to the table. I am thankful to call them more than colleagues, but best friends and family.
I wish that I could list everyone who helped The Schoolhouse be what it has become. But it would be impossible. The mowing/grounds crew, the donations of money and time…the list goes on and on. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
As we closed the doors of The Schoolhouse for the very last time today, I couldn’t help but feel just extremely blessed by the last eight years. I got to do what I love…teach kids. And I got so many added blessings along with it. God is just good like that, y’all.
I’m excited about the next chapter. All of my Schoolhouse kids are ready to stretch their wings and fly. I’m nervous and thrilled for them all at the same time as they go to their new adventure. I’ll be going back to my roots-homeschooling my girls at our actual home. Something they’ve never truly experienced! I’ll also be throwing a lot of my attention to the Children’s Ministry at church. I can’t wait. So many ideas Tim and I have had swirling in our heads and just had too much going to realize them. My son is also headed off to college next year and I’m looking forward to making as many Walnut Ridge trips that I can. Maybe I can be the new dorm mom? I don’t know, but the sky is the limit! 😂
The Schoolhouse kids will always and forever be just that…my Schoolhouse kids. And the families and teachers will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you all so much. I saw (ok, I bought) a sign at Hobby Lobby the other day. It said: I trust the next chapter because I know the author.
Goodbye little blue Schoolhouse. It’s been an amazing eight years. ❤️
