New School

Matthew and his new teacher

Our son Matthew started Kindergarten (Grade R in South Africa) in January and had a tough time getting settled. The teachers were great about letting me volunteer in the classroom for a few mornings and that seems to have helped a lot. Yesterday was his birthday so I got to be there for about an hour as we celebrated and the class had their first 'birthday ring'. Matthew got to sit at the front of the room and choose the songs and games they played. Then he called everyone's name and they came up to get their own cupcakes. This is a lovely group of kids!

Silly picture of the class

new friends and class mates

Matthew's our lion heart. He can be so stubborn but is also extremely soft. Words and actions are taken to heart and he carries them for a long while. We feel strongly that this is the school for him and the right teacher, but leaving him those first few days when he really didn't want to stay was tough on all of us. Our prayer is that he will gain strength this year in character and confidence while never losing that tenderness in his heart.

Matthew, you are the treasure of my heart and I love you dearly.

Me and Matthew, 6 years old!