Back to School They Go

Tuesday, September 2 the kids started year number two in England. Each was excited about seeing friends and starting the year fresh. Anna Catherine began her final GCSE year which is a doozy here as they have loads of coursework or portfolio types of work papers, projects, etc that go into their file along a month of exams in late May - June covering two years of material for each class. Still, it is early and she is optimistic. She began the year on Monday with a day of hockey training. She's loving the chance to do sports here since her Fine Arts school back home only allowed time for the arts. She's behind in skill no doubt since these girls have been playing for years but she has lots of heart and determination. She made the seconds team which would be like JV back home but it is full of girls her age and older so she's thrilled. She had her first match Saturday and gave it her all despite the need to learn the rules a little better.

Julieanne asked that I walk her up to Bega House where she was to start her day. Nathan and I piled out of the car but it was only a moment before friends came pouring out to greet and hug Julieanne. We were for moral support just in case but as you read, we weren't really needed. She's pumped that one of her after school activities is going to be basketball.

Nathan and I arrived to his school early, yes Thompsons can be early, and sat in the car. That's our usual plan - drop the girls off at 8:20 then drive on to Jericho Primary and sit in the car to read until 8:45 when Na goes to the playground to wait for the whistle. It came time to go in and I asked if he wanted me to walk up to the school with him since loads of other parents do. He took a look around and said, "No, Keisha and Darian didn't have any parents with them so I'm good." Out the door he climbed with a kiss and a few words of challenge for the day from mom. What made his first day 'great' was the fact that they got lockers and his was a red one on top! Oh for the simple things that please us.

Since they are at school, my days are more flexible at the moment at least until I make some concrete commitments. I'm thinking through what this year might look like for me. There are loads of options beyond the constant pull of running the house. I'm certain I want to get passed the myriad of aquaintance types of relationships I have to enjoy a few more substantial ones. I definitely want to take the time to read and pray and exercise. I'll keep helping at the kids schools though that is under development. I'm enjoying Nelson Mandela's autobiography, The Long Walk to Freedom at the moment which I highly recommend. I'll keep you posted.