School Worries and Joys

School is starting on the 25th of August. I can't believe that it is already time. This time of year brings the worries about getting my classroom ready on time, showing up late the first day, what things I have forgotten to do, etc. Every teacher I know dreams of those worries and sometimes even has a nightmare about showing up naked the first day. This school year has brought more worries for our family. Last year, Emma had to deal with a bully in her class. She struggled to handle the situasion all year. We had many tears and stomach aches due to fears. As school approached this year, Emma's fears returned. As a teacher, it was very hard for me to have a child who did not want to go to school and cried at the mention of it. As Cleveland and I tried to help with prayer, hugs and kisses, assurance, Emma continued to struggle. The first day back to school to prepare my room, Emma "got sick" and went home with Nanny. All my fears for her returned. The next week as Emma visited my sister's family, I returned to school to work in my room. Every time someone asked me about Emma and if she was excited about school, I began to cry. I did more crying than working that morning. During my tears, I met the new first grade teacher, Becca Coe. God places the right person in the right place for us. Becca and I spoke of Emma and the coming school year. Becca sweetly reminded me to pray and let Emma know that God loved her more than I did and he would take care of her. Later that morning, I found out that the bully Emma struggled with would not be at our school next year. I hope this child is in the right place for them, but I am also glad that God found a way to give Emma some assurance in a concrete way. Thank you Lord for all you do for us.

Note: This photo is from the Kindergarten Program last year.

Lori