Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Kindergarten, here I come!

I cannot believe that we're already at this stage of life! Eva headed off to RDLS, a Spanish immersion school yesterday.

Leaving the house early in the morning (7:25, to be exact), she seemed totally calm, confident, and happy. We prayed together at breakfast, which really helped me to calm down. Nonetheless, I gave her the fiercest, tightest, longest good-bye hug ever! I was continually surprised all day when the tears would flow... I just missed her so much! I seemed to have absolutely no control over the thoughts racing around in my head, not the least of which being, "I knew we should've homeschooled!"

Picking Eva up at the bus stop was probably the highlight of my day. The first words out of her mouth were, "I LOVE school!" It was bittersweet to hear her say that. .. glad that she had a happy day... sad that she is content being away... can't believe those first five years with her flew by so fast. Even as I type this, my eyes are flooding with tears. Whew!

Since her entire school day is in Spanish and she doesn't yet speak the language, Eric and I were full of questions about her comprehension, frustrations, confusion, etc. Turns out, it didn't bother her a bit to not understand the teacher, and she could give us lots of details about the day and what she was supposed to do without having exact words. From my own Spanish teaching background, I knew this would be true, especially for someone as young as Eva. She remembered the words to some of the songs they sang ("Buenos dias, Buenos dias, Como estas?...). She also knew practically every detail about two discipline situations (the kids names, infractions, consequences). I think her biggest anxiety before going to school was the thought of getting in trouble at school!

Highlights of her day? After telling me that she loved school, her next words were, "And I already made a best friend. Two actually!" Samantha is her current classroom best friend, and Mari is her bus best friend. How awesome kids are at making friends!

Eva had a "God sighting" from her first day at school too. She told me, "Mom, God helped me today!" She explained, "I went to the bathroom, and after I was done I couldn't unlock the door. So, I prayed two times. Then I could open the door!" I imagine my panicked little kindergartner facing the rest of her day locked in the girls bathroom, and I am sure she cried out to God with urgency. Her voice was really ecstatic as she reported God's care for her, and I am so thankful to know that her seedling faith is still growing, even away from our constant guidance.

Oh, what an adventure kindergarten feels like!

6 comments:

Dana said...

Thanks for writing! Glad to hear that she had a great day and that you 'made it through' with a blessing at the end.

Ethan starts middle school tomorrow! Before you know it Eva will be in 7th grade too.

Heidi said...

I was starting to cry just reading your post! What an encouragement to hear about Eva calling out to God in her moment of need. That is such an evidence of grace that you have been teaching and exemplifying to her well; praise God! Hang in there Mama!

Deanna said...

And as I read your post, my eyes filled with tears as well! My grandchildren are so precious to me and having them go off to school is an emotional event for me as well!

The Mrs. said...

i'm bawling at school! I can't believe 5 years has breezed passed either. But, I'm so thankful for her tender heart towards God and the way she called out to him. I love those "God sightings" in my own life and I'm SO glad she had one her first day of school. I remember specifically praying for her when she was a baby... and I'm so blessed by your post!

Beth said...

Ooooh thanks for posting! Alan's first day of preschool is Monday.

Anonymous said...

Awww, very sweet Becca! Thanks for sharing!