The Beginning of the Lasts

Today was our official last day of school for the students and I felt like I finally got the closure with my students I wanted. We spent the morning playing card games, sharing our favorite parts about fourth grade and what we learned.  We ended the day with a school wide water fight and the firefighters coming and hosing down everyone and everything as the last day of school tradition. It was fun to finally shed the teacher persona per say and piggy back some of the students and run through the hoses, squealing with laughter. 

As I'm beginning my seasons of lasts, last day of school, last long run, last shower (fortunately this one is still to come)  it brings my thoughts back to the beginning of my Jarabacoa adventure and how far I've come. One of the most vivid memories for me was on my knees on the floor of my room feeling overwhelmed and homesick and I just remember crying out to God that if He had led me here, He would lead me and He would help me because I felt like I was at the end of my rope. And let me tell you,  God SHOWED UP. 

God showed up in so many incredible ways during my two years here. I am so thankful for the friends I found in my fellow teachers, my bible study and even the surrounding Americans who have made this place feel more and more like a home. I am so thankful for the students I got to be with each and every day. Though, not every day was glamorous and there were definitely days I wanted to scream, yell, cry or throw them out the window, I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of their lives. We've grown together and through the year together, we've left a part of ourselves in the other people and no matter what I truly believe a piece of each of my students has found a way into my heart.

I am apprehensive about my move to Santo Domingo. It is a much bigger city than Jarabacoa and with it comes big city life.  But after seeing what God has done here in Jarabacoa; the ways that He has answered prayers I hadn't even prayed for yet, I am confident that He will go before me and He will provide. I am so excited to see how God will show up in Santo Domingo. Happy Summer Everyone!

"The Lord himself goes before you and he will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." -Deuteronomy 31:8