Its over!

Phew, I made it. I am home now and I cannot tell you how good it feels. Despite only being able to be home for less than 36 hours, it still feels amazing. The weather and the fresh air are enough to make me not want to ever leave this place again. However, I leave tomorrow morning to make the long drive to Houston with Mom. I am excited for the opportunity to spend a great amount of time with her. We have fun stops planned, the bay area to see our newest addition to our family, Disney Land, Albuquerque, and finally Houston. We are lucky enough to get to stay with various friends and relatives along the way.

I am so glad TFA institute ended. I am glad I persevered and survived. A lot of people did not and some were even dismissed in the last few days. I made it though! On Friday I could not wipe a smile off my face. Friday we had an open house with the parents. It was really sad to say goodbye to the boys and girls we have grown attached to. It is hard to realize that they will be out of school for month. School for a lot of these kids is the best thing for them, staying at home during the day is often a really unhealthy environment. School is safe. My kids saw so much improvement, 96% of them met their summer growth goal and all of them improved dramatically on their English speaking and listening skills. I will miss them so much!

Looking back on institute I would probably say it is the hardest thing I have ever done and the most tired I have ever been. I am so glad I stayed with it though and got through the rough times. It made me a much stronger person and ready for any challenges that I am about to face.

I had two job interviews this week. Unfortunately, I will not hear until the end of next week if I got either position. Both positions are in the 5th ward, which is the poorest area of Houston with the highest gang activity. I was extremely shocked at the destitute level when I visited the schools and drove through the neighborhoods. It will be an intense experience for sure. Both positions are 4th grade positions. One of them is at a combined elementary and middle school, which could be very interesting. That position is a 4th grade Language Arts/Social Studies position, something ideal for me!

Well, I need to go pack the car. I am so glad to be home and so fortunate to have been able to grow up in this beautiful part of the country!

Much love,
Robert