Sunday, June 11, 2017

Bittersweet Goodbye


This Thursday will be my last teaching day. I have tears in my eyes as I write this post and wonder where the years went. Living and teaching overseas has been an incredible journey for me. The memories, both happy and sad, the traveling, the German community and military families have enriched my life in so many ways.

Germany has been home and the children I teach; their families and my friends and co-workers have been my “family” for so many years. The many people I have met and worked with have left a positive mark on my life and I hope I have done the same for them, especially the many young children who have entered my classroom. Teaching overseas has been challenging at times and adapting to these challenges has helped me to grow to be a better teacher and person. I have learned that people are the same everywhere and our fears, hopes, happiness and tears connect us all.


As I reflect on my experiences, I am so thankful for the opportunities to travel and see the rich history and cultural experiences Europe offers and have never regretted my decision to live and work overseas. It has been a wonderful life that many may say they never had. I may be retiring as a teacher, but I will carry these countless adventures and experiences with me as I begin the next journey in my life. And although I will miss living in Germany…it is time to come home.