Transition

Three weeks. It's been three weeks since we've begun this experiment in life stage, jumping from one to another. It always happens- the far off time always comes in life, even though you can't imagine its actual arrival. I was reading in my journal from last January, when this teaching opportunity first presented itself; my thoughts on the changes to come...

I'm keenly aware that I'm in the waning autumn days of this season of life, this sweet season of being full time at home with young children, with my focus almost solely on family and home matters. My days, if I enter work outside of our home, will no longer be light teaching, reading and being read to, cleaning, laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, trips to the park. Instead they will be spent in the classroom, interacting with many children, participating in the mission of the school. 

I can say with surety that I have been present and delved deeply into this sweet season, reveling in its joys and wrestling with its challenges. There have been hard days and grueling stretches, and I have made many mistakes; I have asked God to cover over my failing and be their Father, and He has been faithful. 

And now as I stand literally on the brink of making a decision and commitment that will alter the course of our days, will set me on a course as an educator again, I ask for wisdom. For discernment. For clarity to enter in with eyes wide open and a heart surrendered...I'm teetering between two worlds- the one that brought me home almost 12 years ago, filled with babies and feedings and naps and exhilaration and exhaustion...and the one to come, filled with growing children and growing older and real responsibilities to people who don't share my last name...

And now we're living it. Julian spending his days in a first grade classroom, entering school with his big brother and sister. Early mornings for me, and my days spent in many different classrooms, covering for regular classroom teachers. Coming home exhausted after a day of being 'on' for many people, needing to unwind and then take up the mantle of responsibility of home. I knew this time would be a major transition, but I didn't know how incredibly tired I would be- carrying the emotional weight of Daddy's illness on top of the life change is so very wearying...but I am thankful, and I know I will soon adjust. What a privilege to be a part of advancing the mission of a school that is seeking to make God's name known and loved among a vast majority of families who don't know and love Him, fulfilling that mission by offering high quality education and a loving, grace-filled environment. I know that God knows what I need and has given me this good gift.  Some glimpses of these days...

 official!

Ju and classmate partner reading

love this of the brothers going to taekwando together for the first time!

brothers coming home from school- so wonderful to be close enough to ride!

Like No Other

How much life can be lived in 2 short months! These months have been far too full for the indulgence of documentation and reflection, but I'm going to attempt some of that now. This has been a summer like no other for us. School ended at the beginning of June and we said goodbye to 6th and 2nd grades, and goodbye to home school. I think that transition is worthy of its own post, and I probably need space to process it more fully.

This was a summer that held travel to three countries for part of our family, two for the remainder, much time with precious people in our lives AND preparation for significant new beginnings.

As we began our summer, Emmy and I had the privilege to travel to Singapore together for a long-anticipated growing up girls weekend (oh, the joy of credit card travel points!). I know this weekend will remain in my mind as one of the most significant things we've done together, and an investment in her future and our relationship. We worked through an excellent weekend's worth of discussions on various issues that cemented the fact that we can talk about ANYTHING, and now have discussed most of the big things as she begins the road to adolescence.

with the Merlion, Singapore's city symbol

Upon our return, she promptly turned 12, and had long asked to spend her birthday at the beautiful Jim Thompson House in Bangkok. We had a lovely day giving thanks to God for 12 years of the joy He has given us in her, and we also just enjoyed being together- our family is a gift.

Jim Thompson House, June 20, 2015

a birthday cake fit for an artist

Two days later we were off to the U.S.- we had not planned to go home this summer but were so thankful for the opportunity to be in Georgia as we continue to walk with Daddy through his journey of cancer. It was a hard, good, happy, sad time. We also were able to spend time with many beloved family members and a few friends who are family. The time was a gift, and I'm thankful for the advice of many wise people who told us, "There's never enough time. Go if you possibly can."

July 2015

Leaving in some ways felt like a tearing away this time, yet there is a quiet assurance that this is where God has us and He is doing good things, building beauty through new endeavors and faithfully building His church as we continue to labor. After a week back I found myself sitting in meetings at my NEW JOB. God has graciously given me a ministry of education in the international school we have come to love these last 6 years as our children have grown there. With Julian set to begin his schooling adventure in first grade, it seems God knew that it would be healthy for me to have a place to pour my energies and use my training and gifts. He is also very gracious to give me a position for this year in which I can transition gently back into education, as a full time substitute who works daily in classrooms all over the school, without the full responsibility of a classroom of my own.

Asa with a new friend on a cultural excursion with the school's new staff

FOUR Mills heading off for the first day of school!

But wait! Before the official beginning of school, after the week of orientation, we squeezed in one final special event, MTW's Asia-Pacific Area Retreat. This is an event that happens only once every four years, and it is a time designed to bring refreshment to workers on the foreign field and to support our children in their journey as third culture kids. It was a sweet time of learning, resting and being with many dear 'family' members on our team and within our organization. God was good to give us the privilege of going, with so many other things vying for our schedule.

With our teammates/friends/family the Henrys, at Legoland Malaysia

big group of special folks from Intown church in Atlanta- some serving on the field, some providing pastoral care, some coming a LONG way to help love our children at the retreat!

As we returned and prepared to begin school, we received the news that our dear Papa, Tim's grandfather, had passed away. One of the gifts of our time in Georgia was the opportunity to hold Papa's hand and tell him goodbye, as we knew the end of his life was nearing. What a life it was. He was a 94 year old, Godly, dynamic man who loved 3 wives well and sent two to heaven, drove a tank in WWII, and never failed to ask us about our lives and ministry and to encourage us, even in his final, weakest time of life. There are many other things we could say about this life beautifully lived. As we shared the news with the children, there were tears, but also joy as we reflected on the Godly heritage Papa has passed on to us, and the privilege we have to take that torch and continue to run the race for God's glory.

Tim and Papa, 2014