5 Golden Rings

With only four more days to spend in Crawford, it is getting harder to be excited about leaving. Last week I was ready, and in the right state of mind to head back home. I don't want to leave. I feel such a strong sense of community already, and potential for so many things. I had the chance to sit down and talk with an older couple for a good 2 hours the other night, just visiting, and enjoying time together. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings of the whole semester. I've met friends that are close to my age, and in the same season of life as me, and they have been such a great encouragement to me. I've had lots of fun with the youth in the area: sleepovers, candy making, movie nights, and hot shop nights. I wish I had more time to spend with them, without the obligation of lesson planning, and grading hanging over my head. My kids have their Christmas program this week, and I know I'm going to bawl my eyes out. 

I know that there are great and wonderful things that I will be doing in Durango, but today I'm not ready for it. I'm a very happy person, disgustingly so sometimes, and so this feeling of sadness and loss is hard, but I don't think it's a bad thing. I rarely take time to reflect and think about where I've been, and I usually keep a very constant forward push toward whatever the set goal is. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" I rejoice in the Lord, and what He is doing here in this area, and the hearts that are so teachable among the youth, and the teachers He has prepared to work with them. I love that they are close enough that I can come back and visit. I'm definitely going to enjoy the rest of my time here, with people I love. It's going to be a busy week, but it's going to be great!