New Beginnings

So far 2012 has been marked with big changes on the horizon for the Kruse family.  And it's only February.  But the changes are exciting and full of new beginnings, but unfortunately some "catch ya later"s as well.

Today I received a contract to teach next Fall in the Education Division at Loras College in Dubuque. When August 20th comes I should be Assistant Professor of Education.  :-)  

This move for our family will obviously be marked with big changes for our family.  New town.  New church. New schools. New faces. Not to mention being in the depths of  Hawkeye country.   And though I thrive on change, I'd be hard pressed to say that I'm not also feeling some anxiety for all that needs to come together (Michael needs a job!) and sadness in leaving the town I've come to love these past 15 years (Ames), and the convenience of having some of my closest friends and family near me that I'm sure I've taken for granted.  

I think I'm most sad about Michael leaving his job.  He's come to really respect, appreciate, and I hate to say it out loud for fear of talks of "Bro-mance", but love his coworkers.  He really does work with some really friendly and supportive people.  

I will also miss my coworkers.  I've been impressed with some of the people I work closest with at the Dept. of Ed and our partnering agencies.  Being in an environment that even if you do not see eye to eye on every little matter or issue, but knowing that everyone around you has a deeply rooted passion for Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention has been rewarding.  

Though deep reflection of our changes causes a bit of anxiety, sprinkled with sadness, we are truly excited for our next adventure.  I'm looking forward to curving my career in the direction I've been working forward to these past few years while completing my doctoral program.  I'm looking forward to creating neat relationships and getting to know my future students.  I'm looking forward to discovering Dubuque and Eastern Iowa.

The kids don't quite understand it all, but Sam is excited to be moving to the Mississippi River and very excited to see the Duhawks play (The Duhawk is the Loras mascot).  

My last day at my job will be May 11th, our lease in Ames is up June 23.....so, sometime in the early summer we're going to be moving (though Michael and I may have to live apart for a couple of months).  Otherwise we'll live in Chris and Di Sheldon's basement ;-)