She was happy, kind, bubbly, and curious! Hallie loved learning, helping others, and playing hard at recess. “Work hard, play hard!” A great mantra for any age! Twenty-seven years later, Hallie towered over me when we met to catch up for dinner. We’ve been friends on the YouVersion Bible app for many years. Our reunion was past due! She is STILL happy, kind, bubbly, and curious. She’s a mother, wife, and hard worker! It wasn’t a surprise Hallie is living her best life. When I pulled out our class photo, she recalled the names of every student. It’s a large district where students may not be in the same class year to year. Wow! What a great memory, Hallie! Surprisingly, I remembered many. We shared our favorite memories (and the twists and turns in life). From the Flat Stanley book project (do you remember Flat Stanley books?) to graduations and careers. Excitedly I shared about my new pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers in Massachusetts. We hugged goodbye and made plans for our next get-together.
Gloria looked so cute curled up in the box with Zeb, the zebra. Thank you amazing Aqua Roomers for our note and cards! The journal was stuffed with tales of adventures with students! Finley didn’t know what to think! Her head swiveled side to side. “She’s going to hang out with us a month and visit schools, Finley!”
From Kindergarten to 4th grade, music, P.E., and middle school science and English—Gloria made the rounds in Southwest Missouri schools. When I shared her story with students, they were eager to have their “turn” holding Gloria. Kids love being SEEN and a PART of something BIGGER than them. Also, being a BIG part of something GOOD. One student said, “Gloria needs me and I need her.” One girl asked, “Is she the witch from Wicked?” Gloria is GOOD, no matter how she is dressed or her age. We all agreed. Kids amaze me. They’re imaginations aren’t stifled (unless someone tries to stunt them—please don’t). To my amazement, not one student said anything negative about the project (you never know with middle school ages). They shocked me at how much they wanted Gloria to participate!
Kids were comfortable around Gloria. They were open to sharing with me! Their eyes lit up talking about their favorite stuffies, toys, and/or school projects. “Will you and Gloria come back?,” some would ask. At one large middle school, about 10 kids came by the room to say goodbye to Gloria and I at dismissal bell. My heart melted. Even a resource officer stopped by to meet Gloria. The cafeteria workers loved her, too! Oh, the places we could go! Gloria met around 200 students!
Thank you, Ms. Jennie, for all you do for students! Literacy, love, and life-long skills! Years from now students may not remember what they were taught. But I know they’ll remember the ones who loved them and made them feel special (there’s a quote similar to this!). Stop by Ms. Jennie’s room if you get a chance. You will leave feeling hopeful and happy! Who knows will Gloria might go next?
I’m so thankful for the praiseworthy pen pal partnership with Ms. Jennie and her Aqua Roomers! From Missouri to Massachusetts—states far apart, same hearts!❣️
Have you Heard of NET, yet? 🦓
Today feels surreal. My photo memories started popping up two days ago. It was Finley and I’s last school visit that year. From teaching the writing process to nearly 100 students to two days later, being in the ER hearing that I had a mass on my pancreas with metastasis to my liver, lymph nodes, and bones. My life was turned upside down. Two weeks ago, I visited my favorite classroom and began a new chemo that evening. The first week was ok. This last week has proven more challenging. I’m reminded this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’m sad to say that reading too much makes my head hurt and my eyes fuzzy. Writing too long creates elbow and hand aches. My fatigue has slowed me down. Glucose issues won’t allow me to adventure alone right now. Sometimes It’s a lot to digest. Literally. My scalp and skin itch. I’m itching to get back to where I was after my surgery recovery. From the outside I look the same, mostly. Will I ever be the…same?
Meanwhile, we ALL experience changing seasons. Diagnoses, dreams, and daily difficulties. Losses, love, and learning. Major milestones, memories, and Mondays. New stages of life, stones to turn, and storms. Birthdays, ballgames, and bonfires. New friends, faces, and funerals. Retirements, reunions, and recreation.
My season will be one of recovery, rest, and recharging. My praiseworthy partnership with my Creator never changes. Although I might not understand certain situations, Christ gives me confidence. This praiseworthy partnership will always provide peace that this world cannot offer.
It’s a praiseworthy partnership that will surpass any situation.
My partner wishes to be more than a pen pal partner for YOU. Do you know how loved you are? REALLY?💗🙏🏼
Find the faith. Keep it. 💚
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I love your spirit, Mrs. Hale. I hope that soon you will be announcing that the mass and meta things have put up the white flag and surrendered to your positive attitude.
How nice that you’ve been able to stay in touch with one of your former students. She sounds like a real winner.
Say hi to Gloria for me!
Tippy, you’re such a dear friend. Thank you so much! I look forward to that day of surrender! If my attitude could cure it, I’ll bottle it up for others suffering.
It was so awesome to have dinner with Hallie. She’s amazing!
Gloria made it safely back to Massachusetts, Tippy! I’ll tell Jennie to tell her hello!
I hope you’re well, my friend! I appreciate you so much!
There are bottles containing attitudes of cheer, but unfortunately they’re followed by hangovers. I think I’d prefer your bottled attitude better.
I’m fighting one cold after another, but other than that I’m well, thank you. I did lose a few marbles, but that was a long time ago. I’m still searching for them.
Ha! Oh, Tippy, if I find the marbles, I’ll replace the ones I lost a long time ago, too! Lol
I’m sorry you’re fighting colds! Do you find your immune is weaker after fighting viruses?
Take care!!
I don’t know if it’s weaker or stronger. But it’s certainly more wary.
You are one of the most amazing young woman it has ever been my pleasure to know. Through all you’ve faced in your young life, you still continue to place your confidence in your Savior.! That is what keeps you going – knowing that he will never leave you. He will be at your side until you meet him face to face. This war we’re engaged in now is nothing in comparison to the glory of being in his physical presence. You and I will meet there someday. I know we’ll recognize each other because even though you’re young enough to be my daughter, you are also a soul mate. Can’t wait until that glorious day.💕💕💕
Mama K, your words hit my heart and soul. I love you so much. I’ve been thinking and praying for you.
This health journey has grown my intimacy in Christ. I do believe it’s what keeps me going. HE will never leave or forsake us.
You’ve been such an inspiration to me. Your own health, Paul’s journey, your faith. We WILL meet there and I know that all of this here is nothing compared to the glory waiting! To my soul mate and other Mom, I love you. ❣️❣️🙏🏼💗🤗
I love you too💕
💗💗💗
What a precious reunion! The teacher/student connection is strong. ❤️ Praying for relief from your fatigue and other side effects. Sending love always. 💐
Kelley, your prayers, love, and support mean so much, thank you.🌸💕
I think of your connections with students. You understand! Many blessings, my friend.
Your Partner is also my Partner, as you know. But here’s the thing. After all these years, I am only just beginning to understand how much I am loved. And it is breaking me, almost daily. I have cried more in the last three months than I think I have in my whole life. Not from sadness, mind you. Most of the tears have been joyful. He is so very good. 💜💜💜💜💜
Jeff, I understand! I feel very similar to you! Those are the best tears. When you experience Jesus’s love for REAL~ a miraculous experience that a human mind can’t comprehend ~ and your soul is completely soaked in the Spirit it will spill over! God bless you, my friend.❤️
Dear Karla,
I hope the desired effects from the treatment will soon outweigh the undesired and unpleasant ones.
Sending healing thoughts,
Tanja
You’re so kind and thoughtful, my friend.
I’m going to stay positive they will! I know adjustments will keep happening ~ as will hope.
I know you hike with hope too, Tanja. I appreciate you so much!
🙏
It’s wonderful you were able to get together with Hallie. I enjoyed all the photos of you, Gloria and all the happy students enjoying you both.
My heart goes out to you and your health journey. May your treatments, your devotion and some miracles wipe it all away. May you continue to have the energy to share your love and kindness with students.
love, katelon
Katelon, thank you for your precious words and support! ❤️ so kind.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the pics of adventures.
I hesitate sharing my health specifics at times. Many in my day to day know the “behind the scene” specifics. Cancer doesn’t run my life. Yet, it’s part of it. I had to shift and think of it as a partner that learns from me, too. That might sound strange. But as a Christ follower I already know I’m healed, no matter what. One’s faith might “slip” when dealing with the inconsistencies of this particular disease. It’s “incurable”…but I’m not! That shift in my thinking helps me live healed. Then, the terrible side effects make me realize it’s just part of my journey and we all live with something.
My heart goes out to you and all you do to help others. I pray you are well and enjoying life to its fullest possible! Love, Karla ❤️🙏🏻
What a fun project. Stimulating imagination is the first step to learning for kids. They will remember! You are a real teacher at heart! I love the way you stay in touch with children even through your chemo and healing process!
Thank you so much, Dwight! There’s something about children that heal my heart and soul! I appreciate you so much!!
You are welcome, Karla. It is so great that you can let them help you heal! The feeling is mutual!
❣️🤗
I always enjoy your posts Karla! Thanks for sharing your stories, optimism and faith. 💗
Aww. Thank you, my friend! I’m so happy you enjoy them. I feel that way of yours too!❤️🥰
Such a great Post, Karla. You are one of a Kind!!! Hope you are okay! Love you and miss you so much!🥰🤗🥰
Happy Tuesday, Momma Wenda. You’re precious❤️🥰. I’m doing the best possible. My health teaches me new habits~ I teach it how I’m healing. My heart wants to do way more than my body! I’m blessed to be here. I don’t take one day for granted! God bless you. I love you!! 💕❤️♥️🎶🙏🏻🥰
Those kids are so blessed to have been touched by you! You reap what you sow! You are sowing much! Blessings to you sweet Karla. Love you always! 🎶🕊️🌷❤️🥰🤗🌹
Aww. Thank you! I love you always too!💚🎶💗💛🤗🙏🏼🎶🎶🎶
🥰🤗🎶🌹🕊️
You’re such a strong and brave lady Karla. Sending you love and hugs my friend
Thank you, sweet Sadje. I appreciate your kindness and support. Sending you love and hugs too!❤️💕🙏🏻🥰🤗🌸
You’re most welcome 😍
May the next wave of feeling better come to you with the warm season, my friend Karla. Smile on.
I’m smiling, Mark! Thank you, my friend, for your encouraging and support!!
Karla your adventures with Gloria were exciting! I do remember Flat Stanley! It seems just yesterday that we were mailing Flat Stanley back to Georgia from Indiana from his visit to see SNOW! The photos were so well received… as the kids in my nephew’s class hadn’t experienced a real snow of more than an inch and Flat Stanley managed to arrive just after a lovely foot of snow! I think we had as much fun with that as the kids back in GA! I’m letting the Prayer Warriors know so be prepared to be showered with prayers! I love you and will be praying for you! 🙏🏻💖🙏🏻💖🙏🏻💖 and Finn too🐾🐾!
Aww, thank you, Val!! My mind could picture your Flat Stanley adventures. Those projects are always remembered many years later. They have a great impact on kids…and us!
Will you give the prayer warriors my love tonight? A group hug! Finley and I love you and Mochi! I appreciate you!❤️♥️💕🙏🏻
Absolutely done! The prayer warriors are on the job and I put another slip into the prayer chain box as we have a group of seminarians who pray for those whose names are in the box!
💛🥲💚💗🤗🤗 thank you
I loved your mention of Flat Stanley. My niece and nephew both mailed me their Flat Stanleys when I was living in LA so he could see California! In my niece’s case, we were about to head out to Gettysburg, so we took Flat Stanley with us and took a picture of him with a cannon for her haha. She enjoyed that. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been feeling a little unwell but your faith and your upbeat attitude is so, so inspiring. Sending prayers and hugs to you friend.
M.B.! I’m smiling so big right now. Of course you would take Flat Stanley to Gettysburg! I love that!! How wonderful!!! I bet your niece still remembers that well! So cute.
Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and support. I appreciate you! Sending prayers and hugs to you, too. I take one day at a time–just like you! I’m wishing you tons of memories and history to explore! 💗❣️🤗🙏🏼
I loved all the photos and I know the kids in Massachusetts will too! I am praying for you and think of you often. You are a bright light in a dark world! Henry and I send love, hugs, and prayers! Thank you for being my friend. I thank the Lord for bringing you into my world. God bless you, my friend!
Love, Cindy and Henry 🙏💕🤗🐾
Cindy, I thank the Lord for you and Henry! I appreciate you so much. I’m so happy you enjoyed all of the pictures. I knew you’d love this project, too!
You’re such an encouragement to me and so many others! God bless you and Henry! Finn and I love you both!!🐾❣️🤗🙏🏼🙏🏼
This is wonderful and I love Gloria. We’re never the same. Today for the first time I did a big part of my walk carrying — not using — my cane. It’s how life goes, I think.
Aww, thank you, MAK! I knew you’d love this project and partnership. ❣️
It is how life goes. So true. We’re not the same. I think back to your writings during and after Covid. Many of us reflected on our changes –all of them. Injuries and disease will definitely change someone. We adapt, but it’s still…different. My life has changed in just 3 weeks again. Yet, even before this treatment, I was evolving. I think about how much stronger I was just 3 weeks ago. Yet, celebrating the 3 years of this diagnosis, I look back and see I was even stronger before? My pain tolerance higher? Or worse?
In many ways, some strength has grown–my faith, trust in God, and knowing that I really can’t control anything but how I react to it.
Do you think you carry it in case it’s needed? I ask because there was a time I’d take mine everywhere–and hardly use it. I trusted myself which is probably not the wisest. I’d say I’m wiser because I’m listening to the nurse when she says, “Don’t hike alone.”
Finn and I love you 3 very much!! ❣️🐾🐾🐾⛰️⛰️🤗
I will always take my cane when I’m out there like I’ve learned to put my phone in my pocket even when I’m just working in my yard. Like a little voice says, “Don’t be stupid, Martha” — that’s how I see it! Like I don’t walk with both dogs together any more since I got pulled down by Teddy and Bear was with us. I had to let both of them go. They ran to see our friends, so that’s OK, but… With the cane it’s not really any different than the stick I used to hike with in bygone times. I don’t mind it at all. Still, it’s a very wonderful thing to be able to take REAL steps with my (formerly) broken leg.
This “different” thing is, I don’t know. A friend of 30 years just abruptly ended the friendship a couple of months ago. It was cold-blooded, IMO, but it happened. Sooooo….
What Bear? OK, I’ll tell her, “Don’t hike alone Miss Karla. Hike with Finn!” Bear, I don’t think that’s what she meant, but good advice anyway. 🦯🐩❤️
I’m sorry about your friend situation, MAK :(.
I understand about the cane and hiking stick. I keep my hiking pole in my car. It’s much easier for me to think to use because it was 2nd nature at one time. About the phone–yep. And making sure I have my medical bracelet in case I forget to wear my iWatch. And snacks and glucose in case my sugar drops. I can’t just walk out the door with Finn like before. Never again, I believe. But I’m able to walk out the door most days. That’s good enough. And the days I can’t, I’m still blessed.
Oh, Bear…you’re so cute. I don’t think Finn would “break my fall”. TEE HEE. But good idea anyway! ❣️🤗❣️🥾🐩
Bear, I don’t think Karla is underestimating Finn’s powers. Finn is a really little dog! About the size of your head! 🤣🐾🦯
😂😂😂💕💕💕
Good times Karla. Glad you are having fun with friends and kids.
Thank you, dear friend. Gary, I’m praying daily for you all. I had to put a “pause” a couple of weeks ago when I began new treatment. I’ll miss the kids this summer. I’m trusting on new memories no matter what. God bless you all–to my dear Fultz family.
You are pure bottled sunlight, dear Karla!
Aww, thank you, dear Mitch! I appreciate you so much!
Being around kiddos can be so refreshing and entertaining. I am glad you could have that wonderful experience with them. Praying for you little sister. Jesus loves you 🙂
Thank you, brother! I’ve missed them the last couple of weeks. Kids are amazing. I’m praying for you too, Matt! ☺️🙏🏼
The company of children has the healing touch of God
How beautiful, my friend. Healing touch of God indeed. I appreciate you so much! I pray you are well. ❣️
Karla, speaking of tears, I have them. I had no idea the extent of your troubles until I read your post. I am sending you so much LOVE and prayers as well, that the trial you are presently being challenged with, will be a short one. With the One we both adore, He is the reason why life has meaning. I am so sorry you are dealing with this, someone so young! BIG HUGS! Know just know I wish I too could hold and hug you giving you comfort if for just a moment or two. ❤️❤️❤️ ~Amy
Sweet Amy–you’re precious. I FEEL your love and hugs. The prayers are so powerful! I’m appreciative and honored to have so many pray for …me? SO many have battles and trials. Everyone is battling some form of “cancer” although it might look different. This life ain’t for the faint of heart! But I keep my eyes on eternity, Amy. I’ve lived more in my near 55 young years than some do in a lifetime. I’ve been blessed BEYOND measure. I see young children, even babies, die of disease and my heart just breaks and aches.
Although I’ll never understand it, I know our God has it. That’s my faith. I hold everything this side of heaven very loosely Amy. And cling to our Creator, Heavenly Papa, who promised that one day there will be no more tears. Being that I’m generally a positive person, even IF I DIDN’T have faith in our Lord, I’d still hope that life after death would be better than what we face here. I’ll forever keep my eyes looking up. When I think I’ve seen the worst, sometimes the pain shocks me. Then, once I “adapt” and use it to propel my grit I remember that I can praise him through it. When I start doing that, refocus, rest in HIM, and let go of everything else, the pain has served its purpose. I’m not going to waste the pain, Amy. It makes me feel for everyone.
I love you, precious sister and pray YOU are blessed and that any health challenge is met with healing hands and the hearts of those who love and support you, too. 💗💗💗💗
Dearest Karla, I’ve not been anywhere near WP for I have been so involved in living in every moment, learning, celebrating, reaching out to those around me, and hopping around misbehaving weather, in my gardens. I am learning so much about consciousness and how vitally important it is to reside in the higher frequencies, our mind, our heart, our essence bubbling in quiet acceptance and love and radiating deep soul resonance of “I LOVE ME.”
I have not revealed much about my personal journey but I will with you to encourage you and to give you some thought as to maybe WHY this is happening. I have lived with and endured many many hardships formed around loss, grief, violence, and I live in chronic pain that leaves me some days totally glued to the couch. However, in all that, I have gained great courage, great strength, I have grown in leaps and bounds in character, moral and ethical and spiritual, and now after 31 years of “suffering and agony”, I am attracting young people who are lost, who are broken in heart and spirit, and because of what I personally experienced, the Wisdom obtained through those experiences I am sharing with the grace and power of God that resides in me, with them in such powerful ways that it leaves me humbled. God uses ALL for Good if we but allow circumstances to unfold which have the potential of us forsaking God but we do not.
God put on my mind out of the blue the other morning the story of Job. I thought about that a lot, and how did it end with Job? You know. That is MY promise. And that is yours as well., WE may not see this promise in the physical in this life, yet we shall see it. I pass this on to you, another nugget of Gold that God gave me.
No-thing is impossible with God. I am living proof of that and daily I live it, see, it, know it. You are in my heart with many others who are struggling right now. I am honored to be the Keeper of Wisdom and the Grandmother of Compassion. I hold you close, dear Karla. BIG HUGS!!! Amy ❤️
Oh, Amy. My heart broke hearing about 31 years of suffering.
Then, it became filled with the hope and joy you give! Wisdom!!
Often I think of Job. I gave my testimony at a church on Sunday. Amy, it was the hardest thing I’ve written. It was straight from the heart,
You’re ALL heart. And your poor body is riddled with pain. Yet we both know that the suffering we have in Jesus gives an eternal perspective many may not know firsthand.
I understand about not being “here” on WP. The health ups and downs can uproot a routine so fast that each day can be brand new. Just like how he gives new mercies daily! He is using YOU, Amy. It touches my soul that young people are drawn to your life and story…I am!
I’m sending love and prayers, my sister, ❤️🙏🏻💕
🌹❤️🌈❤️🦋
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what a joyful post, Karla, thanks for brightening my day. I love Gloria too — and your friend, who remembers every kid in the class photo. I could never do that —
What a lovely and sweet reunion with Hallie. Your posts are always encouraging and offer a bright spot in our world! Continued prayers for you, sweet friends ❤️🥰🎶🙏🏻❤️
My goodness, what a beautiful post! I so enjoyed reading about Gloria – through the eyes of the Missouri kids. And your story of Hallie was just wonderful! Sending you bigs hugs and much love, Karla! 💕
Oh, Jennie!! You and Gloria lifted my winter and spring! I’m so happy you enjoyed reading about Gloria’s adventures! You’d love Hallie!
Sending love and hugs to you!! Give the Aqua Roomers a bunch too! I appreciate you, Jennie ❤️🥰👏🏻🙏🏻
I’m so glad!! I know Gloria misses you and Zeb. She came back home with a huge smile on her face. Much love and mega hugs, Karla! 😍
What a great post and an adventure for Gloria! Love LOVED the photos! You are making a difference, Sister, a BIG part of something GOOD! I’m praying for your recovery, rest, recharging, and peace! 5 more days of school here. 💪🏻✌🏻🫶🏻🙏🏻
Thank you, CL! How thoughtful and generous. I’m inspired by so many educators here in WP like you! Jennie and I took this and “ran”!
School ends in Springfield this Friday, too.
Thank you for your prayers, dear sister. I pray all those things for you! I love you, CL! 💚♥️🙏🏻
I think so highly of Jennie as an educator and person that I made plans to visit her classroom a few years ago when I flew from California to visit my brother in New Jersey. I spent half a day in her classroom, even getting to read to her students and having lunch with them. Later that evening, I joined Jennie and her husband for dinner. She is everything right about teaching.
Pete, how amazing!! I’m jealous! I can only imagine what it was like spending that time in her room. “She is everything right about education.” That says it all, Pete. Thank you! ☺️
Thank you for sharingthe details and photos of Gloria’s wonderful visit! All the best for your return to full health.
Liz, thank you so much! It’s my blessing! What wonderful partnership. I appreciate your regards for my health, too. You take care also!
You’re most welcome.
Thinking of you. Sending you so many hugs and prayers. So hope the next season is beautiful for you. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, previous friend. I feel them and send them to you. Schools out for me. I’ll get to be here more starting soon. I’m staying positive and faithful for a beautiful season. I pray that for you two, ❤️♥️💕🙏🏻🤗
Karla, the Lord blesses me every time I catch up with you. Praising the grace received from fruitful partnerships. I really appreciate having this opportunity to meet Gloria.
Richard, you’re so kind! I feel blessed when I catch up with you too. Thank you so much. Gloria was so fun! I hope you’re well. God bless you!
Karla, just stopping by. God gave me a thoughtful nudge to extend some of His Son’s grace. Peace be with you.
Thank you, Richard. I appreciate you so much. God bless you!
Gloria gets about, doesn’t she? I hope your recovery is speedy
Gloria gets it for sure, Stevie! THANK YOU so much!!!
Have we talked “school” before, Karla? I taught for 26 years in the elementary grades, mostly 4th. At my last school, the kids did read Flat Stanley and did a class project, sending him on adventures as I recall. Your pics brought back memories of some of the fun times we had working on projects, sharing jokes and stories, making up fun ways to remember important rules (grammar) or facts (social studies), etc. Some days were rough, but for the most part the joys outweighed the frustrations. I’ve never wished I’d spent my career doing something else.
Karla, your words shine with Christ’s love. You are a light even in the storm. Praying for strength, peace, and healing. Your faith moves hearts….
Be Blessed today and always and Continue to be a Blessing… 🙏🏼
Karla, I love your lovely photos and of course as always, your beautiful and encouraging spirit.