As I sit here with the plans and hopes of this last year finally here I am humbled and thankful. The last two days have been both joyful and heartbreaking. I have waited for the last day of school for so long that when it arrived I was surprised at how fast this year seemed to fly by. It was a tough day for the girls and I as we said goodbye to our friends and Lake Hazel. Hailey said to me at the end of the day "I never thought I would be this sad on the last day of school." I found myself feeling the same way. I have made so many life long friends in the three years I spent at Lake Hazel. I remember back to the summer before I was hired, how I walked the playground the day before my interview. I prayed over the school and the students I hoped to meet. I prayed that the Lord would teach me and guide me while I was teaching his children. And as always He never failed! The past three years have been at times the hardest of my life but also the most joy filled. The students and parents I have had the privilege to meet and form relationships with have forever changed my life. They have taught me so much more about myself and the world then I could ever have dreamed. They taught me patience, kindness, gentleness, how to be firm but loving at the same time. I have encountered heartbreak with them and for them with situations out of our control. I have been brought to my knees for them when I know the only one to keep them safe is my Jesus. I will forever love my EmaLee who I spent the last three years loving along with her family. The Austin's are one of the strongest families I have ever met! They have faced so much with having a special needs daughter, multiple deployments, and just life. They are always strong and always together as a unit. That little girl found a place in my heart from the word go and I look forward to now watching her grow as a friend. For they could not get rid of me if they tried. As I placed Em in her car after lots of hugs and lots of tears, and after her clinging to me and and saying       "Don't do this Ms. Rachel, you can't leave me" I realized just how much my job had changed my life.

With summer here and looking over the next few months we will have a lot of change coming our way. We will be moving in three weeks and getting settled in a new home. Next week I am going to my very first homeschool convention and can't wait!!! I have plans to attend a few classes this summer with some of my LHE peeps. I am really looking forward to getting our new school room in order. To making plans and meeting new friends. I know that the path I have followed through Lake Hazel has given me the insight, confidence and knowledge to start down a new path. I know that this new path the path of once again being a stay at home mom and now a home educator will be challenging at times. But I also know that the Lord is leading my family and we are right where we need to be. I invite you to join us on our journey down this new path. Join us in the laughter, trials, tears and accomplishments that are sure to come. And pray with us that we will keep Jesus the center and that the love of learning will fill our home.