Leaving Primary, Boo Hoo

I never thought I say that I'm sad to be leaving Primary (children's group in my church) but it has happened.  I was always afraid of Primary callings.  In fact the one time I remember telling someone 'no' was when I was asked to substitute for one of my kids classes.  I had no idea how you could fill the time and keep the kids involved.  I've never been a get down on the ground and play with the kids kind of mom. 

After about six years of some pretty tough and responsible callings I was excited to be moving into a new ward where no one knew what we could and could not do.  When the Primary President was the first one to stop by our house and meet me I got a little worried.  And a few weeks later Mark and I were both called to teach the Sunbeams (3 year olds).  I quickly learned that is the best spot in Primary.  Between snacks, bathroom breaks, coloring time and drinking foutain breaks the time went really fast.  And I figured since Primary wasn't really my thing I'd be in there for years to come until I learned what I should really be doing!  So I just decided I'd like it.

I got a little more worried when they switched me to teach the 8 & 9 year old class (Ashley's group).  Mark taught the 10 & 11 year old boys for a few months before being called as a Counselor in the Elder's Quroum.  But after a few weeks I started getting the hang of how to teach the kids and fill the time.  For the most part they have been really good.  A week ago I wrapped up my lesson and it went so well.  The kids were great and I felt like they really learned.  And I've loved having a reason to study the Book of Mormon better and getting to know those stories better.

And along with teaching Primary I've had the chance to do Activity Days with the 8 - 11 year old girls during the week twice a month.  Both Jessica and Ashley were in the group and they have loved helping get things ready. 

So I was shocked when after class last Sunday Mark said a Bishopric member wanted to talk with us.  I had no clue why.  I thought it was odd they wanted to see us in person if they were only going to ask us to talk or something.  They really didn't want to add a third calling to my plate, did they???  And Mark would not get pulled out of the Elder's Quroum??? 

Nope, I'm back in Relief Society and this time as the Education Counselor.  I'm excited to be able to get to know more sisters in the ward, but I can honestly say I'm sad to be leaving Primary.  It didn't help that my girls had tears in their eyes when they found out I wouldn't be teaching them anymore.  And my co-teacher said she was really sad when they announced the new changes on Sunday too.  I'm so glad I've had almost a year in Primary to discover it isn't the big bad experience I thought it would be.  I feel like a traitor to be leaving them.  But I guess that is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is all about -- changes, serving and growing.