"Gimme Refuge - The Education of a Caretaker"

Matt Love's "Gimme Refuge - The Education of a Caretaker" is the story of Matt's transition from a teacher in Portland to a small private school on the Oregon Coast that led to the opportunity for he and his wife to reside at a wildlife refuge there and become the caretakers in exchange for a place to live.  Love articulates well his thoughts about teaching in general and the heavy duty work required to make the home on the refuge site habitable.  He's the kind of teacher I would have loved to have had so I was saddened when he decides to quit his job to become a full time writer.  Although I understood his desire to try his hand at writing full time, I was disappointed that the teaching profession was losing such an involved teacher.  His care for his students shines through his teaching methods.    That's not the end of his "transitions" but you'll have to read the book yourself to learn more.

I loved his willingness to read a book recommended by one of his students and then discover how much he loved it.  When he shared with the student how much he enjoyed the book, the student tells him he has lots more he can bring from home to share with him.  I can't remember a teacher who was willing to learn from me, too!

His last graduation ceremony at the private school he was leaving was also a party and leave-taking for him -- it's a great story!  pazt