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.
