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There's No Place Like Home(s)

I am currently sitting on my couch, in my house in McDonough, GA. Whew! What a breath of fresh air to be back in Georgia, surrounded by my family and friends. Because, in case you didn't know...I have THE BEST friends an family any girl could ever dream to be blessed with. I have missed home so terribly- my bed, my shower (such wonderful water pressure it has), my city, my church, my people!

 But, wait. Institute is over?!? It seems like just yesterday that it started. At the same time, it feel like forever ago. I spent the last five weeks lesson planning, teaching, and not sleeping so as to prepare for each day's first grade math lesson. But it was 100% worth it to see the growth that my kids made this summer. It's amazing! They're amazing! To look back and see the progress that they've made in four short weeks is astounding to me. And I got to have a part in that- what a blessing!

 The last five weeks were spent not only teaching but also building relationships. With students, with parents, with teachers and administrators. As well as with fellow TFA corps members, alum, and staff. I will have the great opportunity to continue working with some of these great people in the fall. But some, I may never see again. It's such a strange thing to realize- we've gone through the craziness of TFA Institute (which, as I've said before is the hardest thing I've ever done) together, supported each other, helped each other up once we've fallen, only to have to separate to our regions to prepare for our class this fall. Really, it kind of stinks.

 But then, there are the friends that I've made while on this journey. This week, for the first time, we're not living down the hall from each other. We won't be eating at least two meals a day together and spending the majority of our waking moments together. I miss them already! It's fascinating how such a journey can bring people together so quickly and so completely. I have no doubt that I have met people that will be added to my list of wonderful life-long friends.

 As I sit here, at home, in McDonough, GA, I know that I will be returning home to the Delta in a week's time. How blessed I am that I get to have so many homes. It's a wonderful reminder of how God continues to bless this journey that He has set me on. At times it feels uncertain, I feel incompetent and unprepared. But, I know what I've been called to do. And so I will do it. 

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
~Philippians 4:13

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