In school, Mike and I are settling into the rhythm of things. The last couple weekends have given us a chance to understand the curriculum and plan, so we are feeling much more comfortable in the classrooms. Mike teaches the full 9 year old curriculum, and I am teaching Literature, Writing and Cultural Studies to 12 year olds. We are currently studying Ancient China and I’m having a lot of fun with that, as well as planning a China Party for the end of the unit. One student, Vlad, has volunteered to bring in fried crickets to share with the class. I’ll let you know how that goes!
I am also coaching Middle School Cross Country. Tuesdays and Thursdays will find us running the track and the neighborhood parks in preparation for a CEESA tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria in November. We are quite excited about that adventure!
Mike is coaching Elementary Soccer with his team lead, Courtney. The younger three have started their activities as well. Theo is taking karate and soccer, Penny is in a doll-making class, and Evelyn is in a painting class. Penny (and possibly Evelyn) is also taking ballet after school on Tuesdays and Fridays. They do all start swimming next week as part of the school curriculum. (and all of these activities, except for karate, are free!)
Theo is doing very well, has made 4-5 friends, and is always sweaty, happy, and affectionate when I see him throughout the day. He is so excited to play soccer, and this is exactly the place to do it. The kids take over the field at every break and play soccer as much as possible, usually with teams of 20/25 each! It’s kind of a controlled mayhem.
Penny has also made a group of friends and I see her laughing and chasing them every recess. One is named Marlene, which I think is wonderful! (so long as she doesn’t accidentally call her “Grandma Marlene!”) She talks often about her friends from Colorado, but considering she was the one who resisted this move the most, she is doing surprisingly well.
Evelyn is doing well but seems to be the most homesick. She hasn’t felt well for the last few weeks and sleeps a lot, and talks often about the food and people she misses. I am most concerned about her adjustment and try to find ways to help her feel happy here wherever I can. We ended up taking her to the American Medical Center here and found out she had a viral infection in her throat, so her behavior was not just culture shock or homesickness after all. She’s feeling much better now and enjoying her class and a new friend, Isabelle.
Alex is loving Middle School and is slowly rising to the challenge of the increased freedom and responsibilities that come with it. I am able to check on him frequently throughout the day, which is both a good and a bad thing. He also wants to sit by me every day for lunch. I have challenged him to sit by a friend every other day. He has 2-3 friends and is feeling more and more confident every week spending time with them instead of seeking me out. He tried Cross Country with me but transferred to Robotics instead, which is much more his speed.
We so appreciate hearing from everyone and we miss you all!
Hi Mike, Sarah, Alex, Evelyn, Penny and yes you too, Theo.
Thanks for the updates. I did just sent you an email and had asked to refresh my memory on your blog but Jim knew it. It was great catching up on you guys. Its great to see your smiling faces and hear about your adventures. So awesome you guys get to do this. What great memories for your kids as well and you guys too. Those cookies looked wonderful. I just made some as well today. I am glad you guys are settling in. So glad you have this blog. You all look very happy. We miss you guys but God has you where you need to be. It is very misty and cold here today, but Jim has been insistent to work in the yard. Which is good for him because then it is not so hot for him. Well I’m going to go for now. I will periodically check in. Have a good day.