This past week I’ve been defeated by a horrendous cold. I’m rarely sick. I’ve always been that student with perfect attendance. I’m quite certain some small child either coughed, sneezed, or breathed heavily on me and infected me with this yucky virus. Last night, I patiently waited for Prince Charming to show up with a bowl of hot chicken soup, but when that didn’t happen I gathered my strength and made this Chai tea latte. It’s comfort in a cup! (and better than Starbucks!)

In spite of the coughing, the hundreds of Kleenex, and the Benadryl comas I’ve endured, it’s really been an enlightening week. It’s funny how God works behind the scenes to prepare us for our next adventure. Several weeks ago, I was given an additional work assignment that put me back at the school sites every day working one on one with the kids. Teaching is what I was born to do and I enjoyed every year that I spent with my students. When my son was born, I took an unexpected detour and accepted a great position at my school district. I’ve poured my heart into it and have loved training parents and teachers, and overseeing a program that I am passionate about. I have to admit, I was pretty upset when I found out my position is being eliminated and I have been reassigned to the classroom next fall.  

The past few weeks of extra work have been a blessing in disguise. Being back in the classroom and working one on one with the kids has been like going home. It just feels right. Catching this cold has been well worth the confirmation I needed to continue down this new path. (It’s also reminded me to bring Purell by the gallons on my first day back in the classroom.)

When life’s got you down, physically or emotionally, fill your favorite coffee cup up with this amazing tea (unless of course, Prince Charming is in your neighborhood delivering chicken soup! Then, send him over to my street).

Chai Tea Latte

* 2 individual tea bags
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons refrigerated french vanilla non-dairy coffee creamer
* whipped topping (optional)
* ground nutmeg (optional)

1. Place the tea bags, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in the coffee filter of a drip coffeemaker.
2. Add water; brew according to manufacturer’s directions.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the milk, brown sugar and creamer.
4. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through and sugar is dissolved.
5. Pour milk mixture into mugs; stir in tea.
6. Dollop with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.