When Niels and I came back from China, I went back to work at the Department. It was comforting to go back to something so familiar while transitioning back to living in the U.S. and going back to school.

Today, after almost eleven years (off and on) of employment I submitted my resignation.

It was a strange sensation, it's not the first time I've quit. But this time there was more of a finality to it that I didn't have when I left for China. There was always the chance that I could go back if I wanted.

But not this time.

I was offered, and accepted, a teaching position at a local charter school. It's fifteen hours a week for the 2009/2010 school year.

I can't express the excitement I have for this job. I got such a good vibe from the school when I went for my interview. Everyone was very warm and welcoming, and seemed to really like working there. I thought the interview went quite well, but I didn't want to get my hopes too high in case it fell through.

It's a part-time position so I'll be sharing a classroom, but I'll still be able to decorate it, post students' work on the walls, and make it a safe learning environment.

There will be different challenges to teaching stateside versus teaching in China, but I'm ready to face them head on. I look forward to beginning the newest chapter in my life.