The Boys go to School

     Caedmon and Whitman, both, had great experiences attending school in the States.  They both were very excited their teachers, administrators, and classmates all spoke English.  The activities, physical classrooms, and school work also was enjoyable to each.   

Returning overseas, we all knew a great deal of what to expect.  Caedmon and Whitman each expected to return to local schools, after getting settled.  I, Erin, was concerned about this transition for them as I knew each had lost a great deal of language, especially Whitman.  Caedmon would be starting at a completely different school, half way through the year, and we didn’t know how many, if any, of his previous friends would be at this new school.  Since Caedmon would be at a new school, Whitman would be attending his previous, though familiar school, without his brother. 

Monday and Tuesday's Uniforms

     Many were lifting up this situation and all thanks to Him for the first week has concluded well!  Caedmon and Whitman both began last Monday.  We leave at 7am to be there about 7:15.  This is a schedule we are all still getting use to.  When I picked them up on Monday, they both said their day was "Great!"  After the first day, Caedmon began responding, "Not good, but great," each time I asked about the day.  They both finish at 10:30am, which leaves us time in the afternoon for a couple house of English homeschooling with Caedmon.  So far Caedmon has been excited each day to do his homeschooling lessons!  I've also begun writing lessons with Whitman, he's still not so sure about these. 

Friday's Uniform

    What a huge blessing!  In a weeks time, the boys have done very well getting up, dressed, ready, and off to school.  We have been getting rides to and home from school most days from a neighbor, which has been another unexpected blessing.  Caedmon and Whitman are thrilled to ride with these neighbors as they have become pretty good friends. 
     Whitman seems pretty officially enrolled at school as we have filled out paperwork and turned in the requested pictures and birth certificate copy.   Caedmon on the other hand, I am still unsure about.  When we first visited the school prior to his starting I asked the principal if there was paperwork to fill out.  She said not to worry about it.  A whole week after attending, Caedmon came home with one paper to fill out.  He rarely has homework and nothing has been said about school supplies he should be bringing.  The only reason this concerns me is because other parents have said their children often, if not every night, have homework.  And, I've seen children with multiple, sometimes color coded, notebooks for the various subjects at school.  Thankfully Caedmon seems to be understanding language sufficiently to follow instructions.  So, I just hope they are treating him like the other children and not giving the white western kid preferential treatment. 
      We are definitely blessed that transitioning back to local schools here has gone so very well thus far!