Hope you’re having a great Memorial Day Weekend!

We went to Sherando Lake yesterday.  It rained, like it always does, but we still got in plenty of playing time, as we usually do.  Even though it seems to rain four out of every five times we go, we still leave happy.  The lake is nestled in the mountains, there’s plenty of sand, and the kids love to swim and splash each other. Mitya doesn’t swim yet, so I was watching him pretty closely, and he seemed to enjoy just exploring and playing in the sand.  I feel so relaxed there (versus the beach, where I am holding on to Mitya so tightly and can’t relax for a second).  I love salt water, but there is something to be said for the calm pleasure of lakes.

Who knew I had so much to say about lakes, right?  My goal for this post was to tell you that this week was the most stressful week of the year, and my fellow teachers, friends, and family got me through.  After a week like that, I appreciate Sherando Lake even more, love the sand between my toes, and can exhale, finally.

Why was the week so wild?  Testing, man, testing.  I teach fifth and sixth grade, and we had 5th grade science on Tuesday.  We were supposed to have 6th grade math on Wednesday, but my students ended up testing on Friday.  On Wednesday, we played every outdoor game imaginable and I went home looking like a crab.  On Thursday, we had 5th grade math.  Finally, we tested my 6th graders on Friday in math.  One student was convinced she had to pass the math test or she wouldn’t graduate to 7th grade. She was still testing at 1:10 when I had to let another proctor take over because I had to go set up for my 4th period class.  I got to my class, and I had students coming in to pray for Ramadan.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Right after school, little Andy had his belt test for tae kwon do (he passed! Yay!) and I actually caught myself falling asleep.

All that to say, I was pretty tired.  The students at my school were also, and so the behavior was testing the patience of every teacher.  We made it, but not without blood, sweat, and tears.

Which brings me to my last point.  Yes, I was tired and emotional.  But I am free.  Why am I free? Because people have fought and died for us to be able to choose our careers and be with students who we love, letting them pray if they want to, wear hijabs or not, and be themselves.

Today, I heard my name as I was parked at a stoplight and I kid you not—it was half of my 6th grade ESL class all sweaty and excited after a soccer tournament.  I was so happy to see them.  I drove to the Memorial Day party smiling.  My life is hard, but I am so grateful to live it.

Have a great Memorial Day,

Lena

We have a friend coming tomorrow, so this is us getting ready—

Please pray for us!