First Week Down
It is Saturday. We made it through the first week of school. The novelty of the first day wore off fairly quickly and the reality of going to school cross-culturally has hit our entire family. There were some tears shed this week. There were times when it felt painful. There were some moments of wondering if this was worth it. Yet, in a way, it is somewhat analogous to giving birth. When that baby is in your belly, you know that birth will be painful. However, you simply cannot grasp just how painful it really is until you experience those labor contractions. Yet, the pain is worth it when you are handed your sweet baby whom you've prayed for and anticipated holding for 9 months. We knew that this would be hard; but we are still in the labor pain phase of school-adjustment. It hurts. It is hard to watch your kids struggle. However, we trust that a time will come when this trial will produce something beautiful. We hope that the "something beautiful" will be that our kids gain the knowledge that our God walks through life with us and that He is worthy of depending upon for our needs, wants and hopes. We hope that they learn to rely on God and seek Him in prayer. Our kids were able to experience the tenderness of God this week as we saw prayers answered.
Here are few:
---For Andrew, we prayed that at least one fellow classmate would reach out to Andrew. The next day, a little boy in Andrew's class invited Andrew to sit next to him during story-time and sat with him at lunch.
---For Ella, we prayed that she would have a kind, caring teacher who would help her feel safe. Her teacher greets her each morning with a hug and says, "Buenos Días, Mi amor."
---For Noah, we prayed that he would be have fun and be kind to others. He has been trying to comfort the little boy who cries for his mama every morning.
This second week will likely be a tough one. Yet, we know where our hope is and we pray our kids will continue to learn that for themselves.
Here are few:
---For Andrew, we prayed that at least one fellow classmate would reach out to Andrew. The next day, a little boy in Andrew's class invited Andrew to sit next to him during story-time and sat with him at lunch.
---For Ella, we prayed that she would have a kind, caring teacher who would help her feel safe. Her teacher greets her each morning with a hug and says, "Buenos Días, Mi amor."
---For Noah, we prayed that he would be have fun and be kind to others. He has been trying to comfort the little boy who cries for his mama every morning.
This second week will likely be a tough one. Yet, we know where our hope is and we pray our kids will continue to learn that for themselves.
Psalm 33: 20-22
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
