Warning: If you don't like things that are sentimental, you might want to skip this blog entry...
The last month has been full of milestones, moving, and memories. As I prepare to go to Mexico for a year, the goodbyes and bittersweet feelings are inevitable. Despite the way they hurt, I'm grateful for them because it means I have been so blessed...
On May 16th, my brother Paul graduated from Samford. For the first time in eight years, there will not be a Sloderbeck at Samford next year. As I stood in the Wright Center at Baccalaureate singing the opening hymn of "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," I was once again reminded of how incredibly grateful I am for the opportunity to have attended Samford. While amazing friends and UCF (University Christian Fellowship) were the biggest catalysts to my spiritual and personal growth in college, the institution of Samford also played a strong role. What a blessing to go to college at a place where they challenge you to make a difference for Christ! I do not take that opportunity for granted.
Just a few weeks later, it was time for another ending: the end of the school year and my time at Edgewood (hopefully only temporarily). When I accepted an "unassigned position with Homewood City Schools" in June 2005, I never could have dreamed what a tremendous blessing it would be. In faith, I hoped for an older grade and was so excited to receive a placement in fourth grade at Edgewood. For the last four years, I have loved working with dedicated, wonderful faculty and staff and teaching precious, remarkable children. Receiving lots of hugs and encouragement, I said goodbye for now...
Two days after the end of school, we had to move out of our apartment. This was probably the least sad because of the less than stellar management there! Had it not been for the fantastic location and the hassle of moving, I probably would have moved a long time ago. Still, the end of an era again.
Clearly, it's been an emotional month. However, I am very grateful for the way God has blessed me over the years and look forward with expectation for how He will continue to work in the future...
The famous hand wall at the Great Shamah
My classroom that I'm going to miss
The fam w/ Mr. Beeson...my parents are glad to be
done with 16 semester of tuition at least!
Paul and I with the only professor we both had
--Dr. Jensen, one of my very favorite professors
Love the pictures! And I had a double-take moment when I saw the picture of your family; from a distance, you and your mom look like the same person! I miss you and understand a bit of what you're going through, but am also so very excited to see all that God does to and through you this coming year!
ReplyDeleteChristen, I appreciate your blogging. I hear you'll be in Tally this weekend. I look forward to bumping into you and hearing how you are doing. I am praying for you in the midst of many transitions. Love ya, Cass
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