When Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin arrived in Bree on their journey to Rivendell, they needed a hero. The ringwraiths were on their trail, and Gandalf was not there as promised. To their relief, Strider showed up.
Well, I have a hero now in my journey. I wrote yesterday that I was put in a preschool teaching position. But my new friend Ashlee felt it in her heart that she needed to trade with me. She loves the young ones and assured me that she would enjoy it and be happy either way. I talked to the principal, and it’s a done deal. I’m so happy! 1st grade still isn’t my strength, but at least I’ve worked as an instructional assistant in 1st grade classrooms. I haven’t worked with preschool age children in probably 17 years.
Ashlee is a beautiful young woman, inside and out. So are the gals in the rest of my team (those 9 of us at the preschool-2nd grade school). My roommate is another gem: she always lifts me up when I’m down. We are going to be a close knit group this year. Like the Fellowship of the Ring (the 4 hobbits, 2 men, a dwarf, an elf, and a wizard), we all have our strengths and weaknesses. We will laugh together and cry together. And help each other through this journey.
So here’s to the Fellowship of the Nanshan girls. And here’s to my Strider: my new friend Ashlee.
The Compass Rose Queen 
Sounds like an adventure already! Hope you find the rhythm of the 1st grade classroom soon. I’m sure you will do great. I just read your other posts and it seems like it’s an area with a lot of fun things to do. I can’t wait to hear all about everything!
It is so exciting to follow your journey through your blogs! Keep it up, girl! Oregon feels empty already without you!