1st Day of Kindergarten

It truly seems like just last week we were waiting for the (overdue) arrival of our sweet first born and today we send him off to Kindergarten, the beginning of his schooling years.

We had been talking to Sam the last few days about going to Kindergarten.  He has seemed excited and we too are excited that he is able to go to the Arabic Kindergarten.  We are thankful that God opened up this opportunity for him.

On Saturday, we bought Sam's school shirt but they didn't have the pants yet.  The shirt is a t-shirt with the school emblem on it.  Sam was so excited he had to wear it on Saturday and we laid his clothes out on Tuesday night so he was all prepared for the morning!

Sam picked out his backpack, the blue and black one.  He was so serious about the task and took his time deciding.  He loves it.  He didn't need school supplies but he did pick out a pencil bag and a Spiderman notebook to take to school with him.

Sam goes to school from 7:30 until 12:00.  He does eat at school.  His lunchbox is in the crate but we had this one for him to use.  Sam will be learning Arabic writing and speaking as well, so I prepared his lunchbox in both Arabic and English.

This morning Sam was feeling ready to go.  After eating breakfast and getting dressed, he carefully packed his lunchbox in his backpack and proudly put his backpack on, he gave his brother's a wave and his daddy a kiss and we were out the door.  Surprisingly on time, as this is early for our family to get ready and out the door!  I guess this is our new routine.

Yes, I made him do the traditional first day of school picture by our apartment front door.

He was so excited to be going to Kindergarten!

The school is just minutes from our house and we arrived to a mad rush of cars.  I parked and we headed in.  He was so brave and confident as he walked ahead of me up to the doors of his school.  The Kindergarten has a building to itself, I like that!

He did take my hand as we made our way to his classroom.  He found his picture outside of his class and hung his backpack up.  He did not want to go into the class alone.  

We were greeted by a sweet teacher, Sam will call her "Miss".  She greeted him in Arabic and then English.  She knew all about Sam and made him feel special.  While she does speak English well, all instruction and everyday activities will be in Arabic.  He immediately went over to the window and started looking out.  He told me he didn't want to sit with the other kids and would like to go outside to the playground.  There will be around 20 children in his classroom.

After a little girl came in screaming (and ended up telling the teacher "if you love God you will let me go" haha), the teacher dismissed the kids from sitting and let them explore the room and play.  The room is very nice, with learning stations and toys of all kinds.  Sam worked a puzzle and found his way over to the block table.  

I know that Sam is going to grow so much this year.  His feet didn't touch the floor this morning, by the end of the school year they will but not only will he physically grow, he will grow in knowledge of Kindergarten things, of Arabic, of relating to other peers, grow in respecting authority, and grow in his ability to adapt to new surroundings.  

And as I watched him play, I prayed that he would also grow in His love for Jesus as we teach him His truths at home.   

I stayed for around an hour before telling Sam it was time for me to go.  After a long hug and a kiss, I made my way to to our car and shed a tear or two.  Sam is growing up and that's good!

Hap picked Sam up and he told Hap that his first day "wasn't great" but then he told Hap that he "was shy at first and then ok" and "mommy could have left sooner."

We are proud of Sam!

He is ready for day #2 and for that, we are thankful!