An Update and a Moment for Gratitude

2024 was transformative for our family. Taking a leap of faith, we moved to an unfamiliar area, and I'm unbelievably grateful for that decision. It began with Seth wanting to switch jobs to spend more time with our girls. When a friend mentioned that Jackson Academy might be a good fit, we decided to explore the possibility. As a public school teacher, I had not considered teaching at a private school (that state retirement was hard to consider leaving!), but I cannot express enough how thankful I am that our journey unfolded as it did.

Jesus's hand in this journey is undeniable. Our first glimpse of life in the Jackson-metro area came at First Ridgeland church. We happened to visit on a day when they were presenting a Christmas play featuring a real-life camel and sheep. Beyond the spectacular show, what struck me was the commitment of the congregation. Within just one hour, we'd met 15 people, made connections with 8, and received 2 phone numbers from members eager to welcome us back, should we find ourselves in the area. While many churches speak about active membership and evangelism, the intentional warmth stuck with me.

As the months unfolded, our positions at Jackson Academy became clear. Seth's role would give him regular hours and precious weekend time with family. For me, the opportunity to teach my favorite subject to my ideal age group emerged. During my classroom observations in the Upper School, one theme stood out: genuine joy. You could see it in every carefully crafted lesson and meaningful student interaction; these teachers were pursuing their passions. There's nothing quite like being part of a truly student-centered team, and I wanted to join.

Then came our biggest consideration: our girls' education. The prospect of having them at school with us seemed almost too perfect. From our very first meeting with the administration, they showed immediate interest in knowing our children as individuals. Walking through the lower school and preschool halls, we witnessed classroom after classroom of engaged, happy children. The first-grade work displayed showed impressive handwriting and sophisticated sentences (first grade!). The moment my girls stepped onto campus for their entrance assessments, they were ready to become Raiders. I feel incredibly blessed to send them somewhere I know they're truly loved and nurtured. My three-year-old now writes her name, skips joyfully, and has learned adorably helpful coping skills to manage her emotions. My six-year-old devours chapter books and has blossomed socially. Watching them grow in an environment filled with Jesus's love brings me indescribable joy.

We've just closed on our dream home in the most wonderful neighborhood, and as we transform it into our own, I want to capture this moment of gratitude. We've discovered more than a place to live — we've found a community. I've found my own circle of friends. I am beyond blessed, and my heart is full.