Starting out with the Strike of the Chicago Teacher's Union. I had already been working for 6 weeks at the time of the strike because my school was an early start school. I had already invested hours into planning, teaching, and getting to know my students. The strike lasted for an entire week and two days of work and time away from my students. I had been teaching my Hero's Journey Unit at that time and remember feeling stressed about loosing coherency when teaching the novel my students had been reading in Literature Circles. The strike was such a challenge for me emotionally and physically. I am glad that is over, done, and out of here!
Finding out I can't have children naturally was challenge number two and obviously still on going. My very first appointment to check to see what was going on with me was the same exact day the strike was over and my students were coming back to school. My body decided not to cooperate that day and I had to push back the appointment to the next month. Looking back, I know that was a God thing. He knew my mind was on those kids and seeing them was more important than being at the doctors. Good thing, because when I did find out my fate I would not have been able to go into work late and teach. I was not mentally capable of doing so.
Taking off work for a week to have surgery was a challenge as well. I expected to bounce right back into the swing of things because I had only had an out-patient surgery. Apparently, I don't react well to anesthesia. I really hope I never have to have surgery again! Thankfully, I have such a great grade level team and administration that was completely understanding and covered for me while I was out, not to mention the students concern and kindness towards me when I did come back.
Flooding was a total shock and surprise this past year as well. My husband and I are still dealing with the mess. Our entire house needs to be dehumidified before we can redo our wood floors. Summer vacations are also a time for getting things taken care of that full time working people can't normally do.
Dealing with the delay(s) of beginning my first round of IVF is completely difficult for me and I am beginning to doubt that there is even an end to this road. Waiting is so tortuous! This may sound crazy, but seeing and holding all my friend's new babies has been encouraging. Some of my friends have had struggles like me and seeing the end of their journey to becoming a mother is a huge testimony to me of God's faithfulness.
I know this is getting ridiculously long, but bare with me. I am almost done.
I can also look back and see many of God's blessings. This year wasn't all that bad. I became a homeroom teacher for the first time. This was the best year for it. My students gave me so much joy and kept me strong during my weakest moments. I don't know what I would have done with out them. The best part of my year was receiving thank you letters for being a great teacher from a few students. It made the whole process worth it because I know I did my job of being a teacher that made somewhat of a difference in their lives.
I have also experienced such an abundance of peace and understanding from God. I can't understand how I could hold it together sometimes and be as sane as I was. I only know that kind of attitude comes from God. I can only praise Him through my storms.
My family and friends have really shown their love for Matt and I as well. I am so blessed to have such a huge support system and people who really care to show that they are praying for us and love us. I can't imagine how a person survives without family.
I have rambled on a while, but it certainly felt good to reflect.
