Here we go...

The day is almost here. The day I have been looking forward to for a very long time- my first day of work.

I have envisioned this day many times over the past two years. In the end I am going back to a place familiar to me- the classroom. I am quietly excited and yet not overly apprehensive or nervous. I am going to be surrounded with newness: the school is new, the whole staff is new, and we will all learn and prepare together. That's not a bad thing at all.

The past couple of months have been very difficult, but just when I thought I would lose everything, my prayers (and everyone else's) were answered. I am going back to work, and I will be able to do something worthwhile as well as earn some money!

As many of my friends and family know, this has been a long, hard journey. Unemployment drains more than your resources; it reduces your self confidence to shreds, especially if you are rejected over and over. I didn't always handle the stress well and my family suffered with me, but even during the darkest times, I kept digging deep for the strength to carry on.

When my strength faltered, I had someone at my side, pulling me up and reminding me that I am strong, that this would not last forever. My best friend, my greatest fan, and the love of my life never stopped believing in me, even when I stopped believing in myself.

We have endured much the last few years and our love has survived these tough challenges. I am looking forward to beginning the next chapter of our lives.

I love you RCM...