I have been thinking about my word a lot. Many of you don't remember me because I have not been around a lot this past year. I tend to jump in and out to recharge my batteries.
My word for last year was faith. It was a great word for the year. It worked in many ways. We were in a very long and drawn out custody battle for my 12 year old great niece. Custody was finally granted to my adult daughter of this precious young girl. It took from October of 2009 until the very end of August for this to take place. We had delay after delay, but finally were settled with Miss Audree remaining with my daughter (who currently lives with us while she finishes college) and the other three children being put in the custody of their dads. (two different one and our Audree has yet another dad, who was not considered in this quest.) Praise the Lord, the judge has granted them safety, love and security. The situation with my niece--the mom of the kids---continues to be an experience. The children now are allowed to have standard visitation after a full year of her having only supervised visitation. It has been an eventful and stressfull few months as we transitioned to this.
Faith was the word that helped me through last year. I have been bouncing around a lot of possible choices. I felt that chaos was not a suitable word, but that is what my life has become. I have considered many calming, soothing words, but they have just not been versatile knowing the things we are still facing. I seriously considered journey, but it is a little too mundane and lacks the punch that I know will be needed.
I backed off for awhile and thought I should lean toward meditation, revive or something along those lines. Then life got in the way when the children all had to visit with their mom for 11 days during Christmas. I got very stressed and have not been able to think clearly until we had them all home safe and sound. Even now, we are feeling the ripples from the visit.
I came here tonight to read everyone's words and was determined on Jan. 3 to finally select my word. Then, I read Ginger's post. Not only do I love her idea of the months, her choice of word---quest---is perfect for me for the coming WHATEVER.
At times I may have to be a dragonslayer on a quest and at other times it can be a quest for something soothing and laid back. So, Gingerbug, I hope you don't mind that I have decided to share your perfect word. No knight of the Table Round ever knew where his quest might take him or the outcome. However, his faith, like mine, never waivered and helped him persevere. (another word I considered)
So, I begin my quest this new year. I start immediately with my quest for a job. I am trying to return to the classroom full time, but have not had any luck. I have 21 years teaching experience, but took a disability retirement 10 years ago. I want to return to teaching for many reasons, but now have moved to a need level with the added need to assist with expenses for Audree. However, with the economy, I have not been able to get a job. It is much cheaper to hire someone with no experience and I know it is risky for schools to hire someone who has been out of the classroom so long. However, I go into the classroom tomorrow on a long term substitute assignment for at least 9 weeks. I am hoping this will open a door for a postion for me. So, the quest begins...
