Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The First Day of School



I'll be honest. During some of the more frustrating moments of the last month, I smile at the oddest times. It is because I know that I am experiencing what I like to call "blog fuel". As I've mentioned before, this blog is my therapy and I enjoy writing it; therefore, I am sadisticly happy at every new bit of culture shock. Odd, I know, but that's me.
Despite all of this, I was hoping and praying that no "blog fuel" was experienced by any of us on the first day of school. We were all more than just a little nervous about it. New school, new language, new protocols, new parents, new everything. Also, it was Lane's first day of school outside of preschool for two hours two days a week. We were ready, but it was a bit daunting. Nothing looms like the unknown. I tried to explain this to Audrey during one spell of anxiety one night, but the concept was lost on her.
Well, enough build up. I am unbelievably pleased to report that the first day went without a hitch. It was great. We got there on time. Dropped the kids in the right spot and they were happy to go. I picked them up for lunch and both were excited to go back . I then picked them up at 4:30 and they were all smiles and stories. They are both excited to go back on Thursday and are even excited to stay for lunch (canteen) some day, although they did enjoy eating lunch at home watching a movie in English ( I know I would have wanted it after a morning of French).
Communication was not a huge problem either. Audrey sat by a bilingual girl, who was helpful, and she said she even understood some words on her own. She did say that a boy kept talking to her during class and that she couldn't understand him. This was probably a good thing as she also told me he was later playing an imaginary trumpet. I doubt he had anything helpful to add. As for Lane, well, he really doesn't listen to anyone anyway so language isn't a huge factor. I doubt he'd noticed if his teacher has used only clicks and grunts.
The bottom line is that we can't thank the Good Lord enough for how well it went on Tuesday and can't pray enough that it continues. I'm sure I'll get plenty of "blog fuel" from school down the road, I just didn't want it on the first day.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad the first day of school went well. You didn't mention what you did while the kids were away? Fess up, did you pace back and forth? Tried to figure out what Audrey is doing in the picture but am afraid I need a caption. Glad all went well.
Kathy

Anonymous said...

It's so good to hear that the kids enjoyed school. Grant was off to school this fall and loved it. Luke started preschool this week and so far so good. We'll see if it continues.

Thanks for the updates. Love you!!
Aly

Anonymous said...

My guess is that Audrey is showing her teacher her missing teeth? I can only imagine her exciting play-by-play of the 1st day! Can't wait to hear what Lane thinks after a week or so. Matt, Eric and I thought of you on the opening day of dove season. Good luck w/ the swingset!
Aimee

Anonymous said...

It appears that the kid have, along with their backpacks, a sackload of school supplies and odds and ends. Nice to know there are things that cross cultural boundaries. So glad to hear school has started out well. I look forward to more stories.
Granny

oeschli said...

i'm really gald for you too that everything went well - even though for the blog i wish lots of "blog fuels" as you call it... sorry, i'm mischievous...
my hope still sticks with the ancors of the swingset... (i hope noone gets badly injured though...)