Well, you know they always say that God's timing is never your timing. Well, it's not. Never is... But some things come sooner than later.
So with that being said...
We are pretty much stunned too! Doors were opened and we are headed back to Texas. Never in a million years did we ever think we would living back in Lubbock, but we are and couldn't be more excited. (Brad and I both went to Tech and lived in Lubbock, but didn't know each other during that time....)
It is very bittersweet leaving LA. We have been here for two and a half years, and have formed many great friendships and have grown to love it. And a teacher just doesn't up and leave in the middle of the semester. One of the hardest conversations that I have ever had was telling those nineteen 8 year olds that I was leaving and leaving soon. I was in shambles and could barely speak the dreaded words. Three of them cried, even one of my little boys was bawling. It was an all-around excruciating 10-15 minutes...
But then when Fallon raised her hand and said, "Well, that's it. Bella and I are going to Texas with you!", that made me laugh. And then Ronald piped in with his funny sense of humor, "So, this is pretty much Mr. Brad's fault, isn't it?" I about lost it...
"Yes little buddy -It's all Brad's fault!":)
And today was worse... The dreaded last day. I have cried so much this week, the kids got used to me without make-up. It was ugly - We are talking real ugly. I have always hated goodbyes, but for some reason, the goodbyes this round has been some of the hardest.
I am going to miss my FANTASTIC co-workers, who make me laugh everyday. Woodlake has such a close-knit faculty/staff and they embraced me from day one. As I look back, I realize this is my fourth school to teach in. I have been so blessed to have had the best co-workers in every one of the schools where I have taught. From Lubbock to Keller, and Dallas to now Louisiana, some of these women have become my best friends and my second mother's when Bob wasn't around. And my sweet friends that took us in under their wing when we knew no one here in Mandeville. I swear some of them should work for the Mandeville Chamber of Commerce as many times as I called and text asking recommendations for doctors, restaurants, pediatricians, window tinting places, etc... Ha!
Lubbock was never on our radar, at all... But to be an hour and ten minutes from my parents, be in the same area code - maybe even the same zip code as some of our closest friends, be soooo much closer to Wichita Falls and Rockwall so all the cousins can become besties - rather than besties through Facetime, is all worth it to Brad and I. His family will be six hours away compared to nine here, so when it came down to it, it just made sense.
Louisiana will always hold a special place in our hearts. We learned to live as a newlywed couple here (and boy, that wasn't a walk in the park some days:) We had our precious Ledger here at St. Tammany Hospital (One of the best hospitals ever.) We loved the Saints and LSU football games. There is nothing like Louisiana... The culture, the fabulous restaurants, the people, etc...
So, in less than two weeks, we will make the long trek to West Texas. Onto the next chapter and season in our lives. Very bittersweet... But exciting.
Already miss these sweet faces...
Thanks for everything Louisiana... You have sure been good to the Wainscott's!
(Except for the massive headache, two swollen eyes, and a wasted 5 days of make-up... :)
Love,
~H
