Every "yes" is attached to a "no"

"For what we want most, there is a cost must be paid in the end."
Tia Dalma, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End

"No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."

This past week brought the steepest price I've yet had to pay in order to follow my dream of serving in Israel--saying farewell to my piano students and their families.

I have found teaching to be a high-risk, high-reward type of job. It requires a lot of time, energy, attention, and love. Often, I've felt overwhelmed and sometimes frustrated. But the rewards are great--seeing a student's excitement when they master something new, watching them grow in their self-confidence, and simply watching them grow up as time goes by. To me, being a piano teacher has always been more than simply music instruction. My goal is to be an influence in young lives for good, to be a dependable listener and encourager.

I realized recently I probably know my students better than many of my friends as I see them more frequently! As I spend a half-hour with every student each week, I've learned much about their interests, friends, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

But there is a cost when one invests in the lives of others. As I prepare to leave and goodbyes must be said, I find myself leaving behind pieces of my heart. Each student has become special to me, and the realization of how much I will miss these weekly lessons while in Israel is a painful one. It's been a tough week and my heart still aches from all the partings. I've had to say goodbye to a student I've had for 8 years (since he was 6!), a couple students I've had for only 4 months, and everything in between. They are all unique and have been such a blessing to me. Even though it won't be the same, I'm grateful for e-mail so we can keep in touch!

I was asked if, in light of these painful separations, I was having second thoughts about leaving. My answer is a definite no. I know this is God's calling for me and to stay home simply to avoid the pain would be disobedient and unfulfilling. I'm reminded of Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid." After she barters with the sea witch to become human, Sebastian (the crab) emphatically states his desire to tell her father and return her to the sea where she'll be . . . well, just be miserable again. I'm not saying that remaining here would be miserable :-), but serving in Israel is a desire being fulfilled! I would have huge regrets if I stayed here simply because it was familiar, comfortable, and painless.

I must remind myself of what I believed to be true from the beginning--if this is God's leading (and I believe it is), He will take care of all involved. He has a purpose for me in leaving, and He has plans in place for the kids staying here. No detail is outside His attention and plan.

To all my students and their families, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your lives these past months and years. My life has been made richer by all of you, and I will greatly miss you! May God bless you all!!