Slow down, World...let me catch up!

I have no idea where the last two weeks have gone or if anything else has happened in the word outside of the track at 8th Street. All of my days have run together...Now that the visit of the Wall is over and done with, I have learned several things:
1- I learned that delegation on a huge project such as bringing the Wall to Tifton is an essential thing. Once I got the hang of it, it wasn't hard to say" Okay...why don't (insert name) take care of (insert task or assignment)
2- I learned that although I have been back in Tifton since 1991, I truly feel that Tifton is my hometown now. I have met so many cool people while putting the Wall project together. I know that I would never have met them any other way because most people do not come to my classroom "on purpse."
3- I learned that there is no time limit on grieving or healing from the loss of a loved one. I watched miracles happen in people's lives because of their visit to The Wall or their involvement in bringing it here.
4- I learned that Tifton is full of who appear "ordinary" at first glance, but when they begin to talk of their service, jobs, experiences in the military, some as far back as WWII, they become extraordinary heroes in my eyes and I have come to love this segment of Tifton's society.
5-I have learned that it s a humbling experience to be the mouthpiece for a project that involves an entire community.
6-I have learned that-given a chance to become involved-middle school aged kids can step up to the plate and be more than they thought they could be. Many of my students matured right in front of my eyes while helping me during the 10 days of events before, during and after the Wall's visit.
7-I learned that sometimes you just need to do something because it is the "right" thing to do. Giving of yourself-your time, your energy and your talents-can seem draining during the "giving" proces, but oh, the blessings are so sweet and special that it becomes difficult to remember the sacrifices made.
8- I learned that I have a whole new set of friends. These friends are ones I made on my own. They are not all my friends just because of who I am related to...they are my friends because they like me for myself!
9-I learned to step outside my "comfort zone" and push myself to dream.
10-I learned just how much my Heavenly Father has a hand in the "everyday" things that just happen to connect, solve or transform situations that seem totally unrelated at first.
I have more to share about my Wall journey...so stay tuned...