Back to School!

The first day of school is always exciting and full of possibilities. For the first time in sixteen years, it was not my first day of school. Watching new first graders parade to class hanging nervously to their parents' hands and older students reuniting with classmates is so much better than actually having to attend classes as a student :)

The Ruth School kicked off the school year with an opening celebration. The outgoing principal, Victoria, introduced the new principal who is also teaching first grade: Virginia. After a few words from these ladies, a Ruth School graduate addressed the student body. He graduated from the Ruth School four years ago and will be attending the university in the fall to study Systems Engineering. His message was meant to motivate the Ruth School pupils that they can attend high school and even university after finishing their time here at the Ruth School.

Robert has enrolled in the first grade. I was worried that he wasn't going to attend because he could have started last year but decided against it and his mother has been in and out of the hospital over the last month. Yet on Monday morning, he was there cling to his father's hand. Once he was in his classroom, he seemed very pleased with his new book bag and pencils. During his teacher's talk to the parents, he was already elbowing  his neighbor for a chat and to compare pencil colors. Luckily, he is always on the front row which is a blessing because he might be a bit talkative. I am so proud of him!

Nicu did not come to the first day of school nor the second. I fear that he has decided that he will not attend school anymore. He does not receive much encouragement at home to attend. Especially since he just had surgery his mother and grandmother are probably not inclined to push him. I will be visiting him and his family tomorrow evening to check up on his recovery and see if I can figure out this school situation.

The fourth graders made a flower arch for their peers to enter the school under.

Thank you all for your prayers about my residency paperwork. Mishi and I went to immigration on Monday and after paying tons of fees and running all over downtown my paperwork was accepted. On October 12, I will go back to immigration for my official id card complete with my unsmiling mug shot. Also, on October 12 I will find out how many years my residency is approved for.