A Kiss on Both Cheeks

When I worked at BSF headquarters, coworker, June Taylor would often use the expression "A Kiss on Both Cheeks" when God would do something kind of over the top of what was expected.  Today I feel like I have received "A Kiss on Both Cheeks."

As you may know, Peter accepted the Kitchen Utility job at the Hospital a 10 minute walk from our house.  He had his last day at Papa Johns yesterday.  We are headed to a Braves game shortly to celebrate.  Peter starts with orientation on Tuesday.  It is not his dream job but he is grateful to not have to reply on rides from Lyft, Mom, Mama Millie or Papa John's Pizza delivery guys.  Although I am sure I will help Peter with food and other errands, I am excited to not be scheduling my time around his work schedule. This amazing new opportunity, one that many of us have been saying ever since he stopped driving would be ideal, feels like a kiss. 

The kiss on the other cheek is that I too am starting a new job Tuesday. This school year has been challenging with my students, going through three assistants and juggling the other areas of my life.  It was also my 7th year of teaching at First Baptist Day School.  You see God uses 7's with me.  I was at Camp Willow Run 7 years to the day.  I spent 7 (and a half) years in Uganda - teaching BSF for 7 years.  I worked at Challenged Child (SISU) for 7 years.  So as I have been riding through my 7th year at FBDS I couldn't help but wonder.  I struggled with who I was becoming with the kids. Too often the stress of 13 demanding three and four year olds had me yelling way more than I liked. Often my weeks ended in tears.  My Child Life Coaching gig has developed into a good side job with consistent clients, however at this point, I still have no desire to make it full time, depending on it as my soul income. Like I said, its a good side job.  In February I saw a post for a job as an Assistant Activity Director at a Nursing Home (thirty  minutes from home.)  I read the job description and thought - that's me!  That's what I want to do.  However I did not pursue it because I would not leave my kiddos at school hanging midway through.  As the end of May was drawing near, I didn't feel the need to pursue something but I really sensed a change coming.

Several weeks ago, both the director, Lisa and assistant director, Emily at FBDS,  started talking to me about my options for next year. They knew I was feeling the stress of my job. Ideas included reducing my hours as a lead teacher or becoming an assistant teacher.  In one of those conversations Emily said she wished she could hire me as an Art Teacher.  I told her I had thought it would be great if our school had someone who could help with individual children when they were having a tough day.  Something I would have benefited from greatly this year.  That conversation lead to others with all kinds of ideas.  As the conversations continued, we developed this job that benefits the school and is a perfect fit for me.  So this past Thursday it became official that as of this Tuesday, I would move into my new role as the Resource Director.  Basically the idea is for me to bring enrichment programing into the classrooms of all ages by coming in with art projects, story times, character education, sensory activities, etc. The hope is I will be a resource to teachers if they need help with a project as well as by simply coming into the room with programs that give them a little break.   I will also be available to work on projects for the school and assist with individual children as needed. Let me tell you I am SO excited. This  is my DREAM job.  All the things I love about teaching without the stress of managing the herd of little people ALL day.

It is bittersweet as I started moving personal things out of my classroom Friday.  It has literally been my "home" designed and decorated  by me with great intention over the past 6 years.  Eventually I will be converting a corner of the massive toy/resource room into my "office." It is also a little strange leaving my class who remains for the summer.  I will still see them often but it will be a transition for all of us as another teacher becomes the lead in there this week.  For this summer I will be working on school wide activities that go along with our summer themes.  Summer at FBDS has a summer camp feel to it and we do lots of fun activities.  This week I have a commitment at the end of the week so will only work Tuesday and Wednesday.  In that timeframe, my challenge is to set up the rain stick activity AND turn a room into a Rain Forrest.  A little intimidated but SUPER excited. I am grateful for my school boss, and co-workers at FBDS.  I really didn't want to leave it.  And now I get my dream job right there in the place I love.  It definitely feels like a "Kiss on the other Cheek!!"

Well its time to get ready for the ball game.  Medically Peter and I are also in transitions that are hopeful. Won't go into detail about mine right now but appreciate continued prayers for Peter.  Tonight is the official first night with Peter taking only  his new psychotics meds. He has been weaning off the others for a month.  So far it has been good, but appreciate prayers that it will continue to be and if tweaking needs to happen, it will happen in a timely manner.  

Thank you for the prayers on our behalf and rejoicing with us in this double kiss from God.