Shout Out

The students occasionally have late openings at school. As teachers, we come to school early for meetings, and then classes resume on a shortened schedule. On one such day this month, I returned to my classroom to meet with students and to organize my day. No sooner did I sit down at my desk did I receive the most amazing surprise. One-by-one my football cheerleaders filed into my room bursting into congratulatory song. As a group, they presented me with a generous baby gift. I was so overwhelmed by the love that they poured into me that morning. I cried when they departed... and I have cried every time since then that I have retold the story to my friends and family. Football cheerleading families, your generosity and thoughtfulness with regards to my pregnancy and our son have been immensely encouraging, and Bryan and I are eternally grateful.
Some of my most incredible memories in the past five years have happened with the cheerleading family, and I have been so encouraged by their joy, benevolence, and support. The cheerleaders were among the first to be told that I was pregnant, and I will never forget sharing my heart with them that day. Even today I received an endearing note from one of the basketball cheerleaders, and I was once again embraced by thoughtfulness. God blessed me with ten squads worth of amazing girls and families, and I have so treasured that time. What an honor it has been to be in the lives of such incredible examples of God’s love!

There are countless others at school that have acted as the hands and feet of Christ. Cindy, Jordy, and Nancy threw a “sweet” shower of dessert fashion complete with mocha punch and blue and white cupcakes decorated with the letter a. The school community joined together to purchase the crib mattress and the pack & play (or as Bryan says, “the cage”), as well as to contribute diaper money. I felt (feel) spoiled. I continually feel wrapped in people’s arms and held up by their strength. The 7th and 9th grade moms’ Bible studies sent me cards. My B1 class lifts up the baby in prayer, without me ever mentioning it to them. One of my students presented the baby with his favorite children’s book, Guess How Much I Love You. An art teacher painted book images on the nursery walls. We also continue to receive notes and emails from the school community. I have been overwhelmed by the tender acts of those that surround me.April 9th will be my last work day at school. I am flooded with the emotion that comes from having given my heart to families and having those same families care for me (and my husband and son). I am so humbled. I am so indebted. I am so sad. And I am joyful too. I carry with me precious memories and unending ties. I have learned much. I have much to learn. Thank you to you all for carrying me into this new season.

Cindy C. and Gale, thanks for the pictures!