Graduation

Today was 8th Grade graduation at Trinity Lutheran.  Its bittersweet, for the students and teachers.  Most of the nine graduates had spent close to eight years together.  It was emotional watching my first, and last, eight grade class graduate.  Well, I say "last," but that is not entirely official.  It is without a doubt my last eight grade graduation as a teacher at Trinity.

After reviewing my year here, and lots of reflection and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot stay.  I'm also marginally sure that I am not "the right stuff" for middle level, and I am wondering if I might not even be meant for "conventional classroom" teaching.

So, I've got a visit to the St. Louis Seminary in the pipeline.  For the first time in a number of years I am (nearly) entirely at peace with the idea of going to Sem.  There are still a lot of questions, but they are "housekeeping" and "details" compared to the big issues.  Hence the visit.  I am scared.  What if I get all my questions answered and I come to the conclusion that its a case of "not right now?"  What if I get all my questions answered and I come to the conclusion that its a case of "too late?"  But right now, none of that matters.

What matters is this: my time as a 7th and 8th Grade teacher in S. Illinois is over.  I will miss my students.  They have been a handful, even frustrating at times.  Many a day I felt like I was talking to a bunch of rocks.  But in spite of all the headaches (literal and metaphorical) great things happened.  They weren't always big things, but great none the less.  My students learned.  I got an opportunity to teach to eleven fantastic students.

I also had eleven fantastic teachers.  There is no doubt who learned more this year in "Mr. B's" classroom: me.  I learned about how to (and not to) teach.  I learned patience.  I learned diplomacy.  I learned forgiveness.  I learned loyalty.  I learned friendship.  I learned differentiation.  I learned English.  I learned foreign language.  I learned to laugh.  I learned to be open.  I learned to be welcoming.  I learned to care.

This has been a great experience, but now it is time to move on.  I don't know for sure what God has in store for me next, but I am at peace with that.  That's how I know it will work out in the end.  There is no panic, no fear, no impatience.  What happens, happens in God's time.  I'm just along for the ride.

Trinity Lutheran 7th and 8th Grade, 2013-2014: Thank You.

US Army

"This we'll defend."

US Navy

"Non sibi sed patriae."

US Marine Corps

"Semper Fidelis."

US Coast Guard

"Semper Paratus."

US Air Force

"Aim high... fly, fight, win."

To all our brave young men and women, past, present, and future, who are called to defend this nation, thank you.

God Bless America, and may you have a peaceful Memorial Day.


If you wish to revisit my poem "Rest Well," you may do so here: http://baumann-intheloop.blogspot.com/2012/05/rest-well.html