In a matter of weeks I will be stepping out of my chaplaincy role to commence maternity leave. I have mixed feelings about finishing up work.
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On one hand, I feel sad because it has been the greatest privilege to be able to care for students and help them through difficult times, and know I will miss it incredibly.
On the other hand, I am very much looking forward to a time of rest because I am exhausted!
Of course feeling emotional about finishing work is inevitable not only because I will miss the students more than I can say, but also because at this stage of pregnancy I feel emotional about pretty much everything.
The whole world is fraught with emotional landmines for me right now. I cry during television ads and hearing the stories from callers to talkback radio and weep uncontrollably at the end of romantic comedies.
But of all of the things that make me cry at the moment, nothing surpasses times of prayer.
When I reflect on the hope of heaven, the unconditional love of my Heavenly father or the promise Jesus made when he said he would never leave me, I unravel.
I think this is because, catastrophic hormonal levels aside, at this time in my life as I feel some trepidation about all that the future holds, I have found it even more necessary to cling to such hopes and I am more than ever grateful for them.
Speaking of gratitude there are many I wish to thank for their help and support.
I owe much to the staff of Horsham College, especially principal Rob Pyers for his commitment to ensuring that students have access to chaplaincy support.
Thanks also to assistant principals Kim Drummond and Meg Woolford and the College Wellbeing Team for their incredible support and all they taught me.
Thanks to the amazing chaplaincy support committee who works tirelessly for the chaplaincy program.
Thanks to the many people from our community including the Christian Ministers Association who have supported, encouraged and prayed for me.
I know that the level of support I received reflects how many people in our town care about the wellbeing of our young people and wish well for them.
Thank you!