Wow, the first two days of school are done and our new life together is in full-swing. For those in this family who like to have gradual change..they're out of luck. Even for even those who are highly flexible, the current pace is mind-bending!
At any rate, sorry for those who have been waiting to hear how the first two days went...
I would say, generally, surprisingly good. Things could have been a great deal worse, without a doubt. So, the fact that we've arrived at Saturday, April 7 and we've had the boys for one full week, AND that they've met their teachers and fellow students...we've had a productive week. I even capped off the week with our four hour monthly shopping trip to the huge "costco-ish" store far away from here last night! Can anyone say adrenaline?
Mr. N enjoyed going to his first two days of school. Warmly greeting everyone on the walk to school with "good morning!" And he even shook hands with some of the teachers and the guards at the gates of the school! He listened well to his teachers and (overall) and showed everyone how bright he is! Controlling his behavior remains the biggest issue with him. He really struggles with impulse control. But, he is improving each day, at that is quite amazing. I saw his a few times during the day and he would wave and smile warmly at me! When his Daddy came to his classroom, he was greeted to a "running approach" hug! Each day he shows us more personality. I took him to the big shopping trip last night. He and The Bruiser rode in the cart through the first part of the store. But, when Beiber's "Baby, Baby, Baby" song started to play loudly, they both got up and started shaking their bodies! In fact, two or three times, I saw Mr. N standing there listening to whatever music...dancing! This was a something mentioned about him in his file written so long ago by the orphanage...that he loved to go outside with the groups of people who gather each evening to dance together all over the city. (This is one of my favorite things about our host culture!) At 5, he doesn't yet mind when I start shaking what my Momma gave me, alongside him in store! ;)
Mr. E has enjoyed some shining moments of independence! We have been given the use of his current wheelchair from a wonderful family who runs a foster home in BJ. Mr. E is CRAZY for the independence of the chair and he is very skilled at moving it where he wants it to go. He has some tearful/fitful experiences in his first two days. But generally, they're not crying fits...but anger at not getting his way. I think it would be safe to say that in the wonderful care he received at the private run orphanage over the past four years, that his baby-hood has been protracted! ;) He's used to being a little prince I think, with lots of adoring fans who catered to his wishes...the adjustment of "time to grow up" and "you can't always get what you want, WHEN you want it"...is probably the toughest so far for him. In Mr. E's favor is his disposition (when not throwing a fit!) He is warm, smiley, and quite gentle. So he wins everyone over in a minute. Unfortunately, for that same reason, everyone has a hard time saying "no" to him! This week he started drinking from a cup! He carried his own tray at lunchtime. He went to school for two full days. And he charmed dozens of new friends to round out his week!
Now for some photos before I must got and teach the boys about Easter egg coloring, the hunt tomorrow, and of course, for at least one of them...share for the first time why this is the greatest holiday of the year for our family!
Your note and emails of encouragement to us this past week have meant more than we could ever say! THANKS!
Below: The first day of school for these 9 H Family Students (in order of age)
Below: Mr. N is proud to be ready to go to his new school.
Below: The scene the night before...three boys lounging...one Daddy trying to get some SLEEP (at any time available)
Below: The buddy system at work...on the walk to school.
Below: Magpie and The Bruiser
Below: Brownie and Mr. N
Below: The Bug and The Singer
Below: Mr. E pretty jazzed about his school day, too.
Below: Mr. E feeding himself his lunch in his classroom.
Below: So proud to be carrying his own tray from the lunch line to the table!!
We'll post Easter pictures soon. We pray that you savor and celebrate the victory over fear and death that we are heirs to this weekend, and every day of the rest of our lives! No matter what life brings our way, because of Easter we have confidence that we will not be overcome!
He is risen! He is risen, indeed!
2 comments:
Happy Easter, Dear H family!
Loved reading this and especially seeing pics of "Mr. E"...so proud of him and how well he is doing (loved the one where he is carrying his own tray!); and can relate to what happens when he's not getting his way ;) Glad to hear you guys are settling in and hope to see you again soon!
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