Summer triumphantly conquered the Springs and me as well. For the past month I have been devouring books that could not be read during the school year, sleeping in and taking naps, and ticking items off my “Colorado Bucket List”. My current roommate graciously made me a list of the top activities I had to complete before departing this great state. Out of the 27 “Must See” items, I have accomplished eight… However, this just gives me reason to return so I may accomplish the rest before I actually kick the bucket! Included in the eight completed tasks: Sky Sox game (complete with free snuggie!); Denver Zoo; camping while visiting the Great Sand Dunes (including bacon flambé), Mesa Verde, and the 4 Corners; and Glen Eyrie—for those of you counting and only getting up to seven, camping was one of the items on my list. I still hope to see Bishop’s Castle, the world’s largest Goliath Beetle, Cave of the Winds, and the Dinosaur Museum in Woodland Park, and go to Cowboys for line dancing all before I leave in eight days.
Pondering over the past four years of my life here in Colorado Springs has revealed a few things to me: 1) I have met some pretty amazing people here, many of whom have become close friends; 2) My students have taught me more than I could have ever hoped to endow upon them; 3) Confrontation is not enjoyable but sometimes necessary; 4) Often it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission in a school setting; 5) Pushing outside of my comfort zone is difficult but worth it; 6) Kidney stones are EVIL but survivable with the help of friends and family; and perhaps the most important, 7) No matter what may happen or where I may go, God always provides for my needs and many of my wants—He knows what’s best for me.
As I move forward from here with a truckload and carload of what is left of my belongings and a trailer with my motorcycle, I am thankful for the experiences I’ve had here, the people I’ve met and interacted with, and the lessons I’ve learned. I am excited to see what God has in store for me this next school year!
