OK, this post is extremely long. BUT, there is a lot going on!WE STARTED SCHOOL!!! But not just any school, Acaciawood School. Lukas says, "Not an ordinary school, but the GREAT Acaciawood School!"
We are adjusting, slowly, but none-the-less adjusting, to our new schedule. Actually, to any kind of schedule. AWS is a far cry from our relaxed days of homeschooling. School has been in session for two weeks. Tue and Thur mornings at 7:30 Drue has PE. The other mornings the bell rings at 8:25am. We only live about 5 min from the school and that has helped.
Starting from the youngest.
Launa is attending "Eagle's Nest". A Preschool - Kindergarten for the kids of those serving. She is in the Pre-K program and loves it once she gets over the initial separation from Mom each morning. Today we spent some special time together for lunch and remainder of the afternoon. She loved that and I hope will help with next week. She says the days are too long and she has to take a nap. Those are her only two complaints. She is learning her numbers and doing very well. She has made a very good friend, Olivia (emphasis on the "O" because her name starts with an O.) and they embrace each time they meet. She also received an invite to a bday celebration of another friend. I do believe she will be fine!
Samuel has started Kindgergarten at Eagle's Nest. His first day was very rough (we will leave it at that) but on his second day received a "Star Student" award and has had many compliments on his behavior since. He had been homeschooling in first grade since May, so academically he is not learning much, but he is getting very educated in being around people all day! His Chinese teacher (yes, he is learning Chinese) says he is a natural. She said he doesn't even have an accent, he speaks it just like the Chinese. She spoke to him in Chinese today in from of me and he answered her in Chinese. I think he said thank you. Maybe we will pursue Chinese a little more. He wears a red collard shirt (tucked in), blue pants and a belt everyday. He looks so cute each morning as he comes out of his room.
Lukas is back in third grade because of his age. This makes our transition into school a little easier. He is in a third/fourth grade combo class. There are only 14 kids in his class. The break up for Math and LA, but do all the other subjects together. He has around an hour of homework each night. He is very diligent to get it done. On the weekends (we have now had two) he completes his homework on Friday afternoon so that he does not forget. He wears a green collard shirt with a logo tucked in, khaki pants with a belt and black dress shoes.
Drue is in seventh grade. This is a very hard year to begin at AWS. She has about 3 hours of homework each night and sometimes more. She begs us to go to bed! She has to do a science fair project and a National History Day project by Dec. She is in Pre-Algebra and has the other normal classes. This is her first experience with a locker, uniforms, and changing classes. She is adjusting well. Her only complaint...the uniform. She has to wear the green collared shirt tucked in, a belt and a khaki skirt-at her waist-and to her calf. The two places she does not like her clothes to go. This is a good training for her. She also wears knee highs and dress shoes. She looks great though.
Now for me. I also am at AWS most of the day. I am helping in the Elem. section. I tutor a 5th grader in math, spelling in first grade, phonics in second grade, PE for first and second grade, teach a 4th grade LA class and then help out wherever needed. I will also be having lunch with Launa's class two days a week. They did clear my schedule to attend the Middle Aged Training two days a week. I attended the Word of God class on Wed. afternoon. Wow, I am going to enjoy that class. I did not make the class today as I was spending special time with Launa.
Now, the best thing about AWS. We know everyone there. While here this summer we met many of the families that attend. Therefore, all the kids already had friends before school started. And just yesterday one of the teachers and I prayed together during our break. How glorious is that! A much different environment than I have ever worked in. It actually is not a work. It is so refreshing to be there all day amongst so many brothers and sisters in Christ. They start off staff meetings with much calling on the Lord and prayer, just washing ourselves from the day and turning our whole being back to the Lord. Even if we are here just a year, the time we spend at AWS will change our lives forever. Our children will have companions that can carry them through the rest of their lives. 2Tim 2:22 But flee youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
