Just Five!

Five...

Just five quickly passing days...

That's all there is left to the 2017-2018 school year. 

The end of any school year brings  a multiple of emotions.

This year, however, is different.

The range of emotions goes beyond the norm.

To the point, at times, that my emotions just simple slip into numbness.

On one hand, I am relieved  the light at the end of the tunnel is growing larger and larger each day. Not just because I am ready to have a break from 60 plus hours a week.

Not just because my students are finished with learning, and have been for several weeks.

Not just because my job is mainly maintaining order and solving interpersonal problems of the before mentioned students- obviously, they need a break from each other!

Mostly because my heart is divided. One half is here with Jacob... 

Jacob receiving an academic award.

and my students and coworkers.

 While the other half is with Carl, Nick, Ben, and Abbi in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Dingi at the wedding of a Morrison/ Oklahoma Baptist University classmate.

I am so thankful for technology that allowed me to still be a part of Nick's college graduation.

And still be able to see and hear this guy!

At the end of year, there in the inevitable goodbyes. 

Graduating seniors, departing expats, and the most difficult, coworkers returning to their passport countries.

This June we are losing four important members of our team. Not just as coworkers, but as our neighbors, church members, and friends.

Its hard. Just plain old hard. 

Living the life of a missionary/expat can be very rewarding, but there are hardships along the way- language barriers, unfamiliar customs, questionable food choices, and the never ending goodbyes. 

And this heart rendering comes around every May.

But, God is in control.

And His plan is always better than my own.