Big news, y’all! We, the forever homeschoolers, enrolled our children in school.
I kid you not.
This was not the original plan. We had intended to continue homeschooling, with me and my husband taking turns going to work. But other expats kept suggesting school. They’ll learn Spanish quickly, they said, and they’ll make more friends. As we settled into our home and began to get a feel for our surroundings and the work we’d be doing, the idea started to appeal to us.
We brought it up with the kids. At first, they baulked. “We don’t care about grades,” we said, “just that you learn Spanish and make friends.” Their eyes lit up.
All except for our younger daughter. She said, No way and I’m not going and You can’t make me so there.
And then I had a stroke of mother genius. The day I was to go visit the school, I told Resistant Daughter that she was the only one who could come with me, just her and me together, checking out the school. We took a tour and met with the directors. The staff oohed and aahed over her, hugged her, and told her not to be afraid. By the end of the visit she had decided that she wanted to go after all.
So last week, we set about filling out paperwork, buying uniforms and loncheras (lunch boxes), depositing money (oof!) and obtaining supplies, all under the generous tutelage and assistance of the former MCCers (who still have two children in the high school there).
All week long the girls kept dressing up in their uniforms. The excitement mounted.
This morning we woke them at 5:30. Resistant Daughter was up before us, chomping at the bit to get going.
I packed their loncheras with bananas, brownies, and cheese-lettuce-and-tomato sandwiches. I gave them three pieces of candy each: one for you and two to share with your new friends. I stuffed rolls of toilet paper in their bags in case there wouldn’t be any in the bathrooms (which is normal here—it’s BYOTP everywhere you go).
While we waited for the taxi to arrive, I took pictures.
We still haven’t worked out the transportation piece, but between buses, taxis, walking, and neighbors who also attend, we’ll figure something out.
On the way there, we reviewed basic phrases: buenos dias, lo siento, compermiso, baño, por favor, etc. We did some deep breathing. We pumped them up with encouragements.
I went with each of the children to their rooms and introduced them to the students who were already milling around. I informed the group, my eyes big, that my daughter (or son) didn’t speak any Spanish and needed lots of help. In my older daughter’s 6th grade class, the students rushed to find her a desk. When I left the room, there was a small crowd around her chattering happily.
The same thing happened with my older son and younger daughter—they were greeted merrily (though my poor son was mortified because he had worn his standard uniform and all the other kids were wearing their gym uniforms since it was gym day).
But it was a different story with the youngest. Although the kids swarmed him there, too, the girls mothering him, fixing his chair and showing him where to put his lonchera, and the boys explaining to him in clear, slow Spanish that they were going to teach him how to talk, my boy just clung to me and hid his face in my sweater. And then he broke down and sobbed. After much work, I finally got him to sit at a desk and share a math book with the boy beside him. I explained the problems and gave him some paper to draw on. Then I slipped out.
My husband was waiting out by the gate, his eyes watery. “Are you sure we can go? Can we leave him? Will they be all right?”
“Yes,” I said, laughing at him. “They’re fine. They can do this. Come on.” I grabbed his hand and drug him down the drive to catch a bus back to town.
We spent our morning visiting Bezaleel, shopping, buying bus tickets, and doing laundry. And now it’s time to go pick up the children and then go get donuts (or maybe ice cream—it’s hot today!) to celebrate. I can’t wait to hear their stories!
11 Comments
Susan
More adventure! It is so interesting to go through your journey with you. Love your photographs AND your family!
Laurie Longenecker
This brings back memories…especially that moment you describe about walking away and wondering if you are asking too much. I think its a great choice–best way to learn Spanish for kids.
Anonymous
Malia is so proud of C for being willing to go to school! She can't wait to read about her experience! and I too think it's awesome! They will learn Spanish lickity split quick (though it will be a tough go at first) but awesome that they have the chance to do this! Go kids! 🙂
Margo
oh WOW I did not see this coming! They look so serious and different in their uniforms (I LOVE uniforms – our kids wear them, but I wish there were plaid and crests involved).
Can't wait to hear how this adventure develops.
Jen J
Wow! I just love how you guys are jumping into all sorts of different things. I did tear up a bit about your youngest son. I really look forward to hearing how their day went.
For the first time, I truly understand the freedom of homeschooling, as we took our girls (11 and 14) out of public schools here in VA and started homeschooling. They are adjusting so well, and I love the freeedom to spend more time on what I feel is important. We also have the benefit of having a wonderful homeschool co-op group to support us with this first year.
Sorry for the ramble 🙂 I really just love reading about your adventures (and wishing it could be my family).
Mama Pea
I'll bet it won't be long before all your kids balk at the days "out" of school! What a great chance for them to learn a second language. Because of the solid home base you and your husband provide for the kids, they will feel comfortable and fit in quickly. What a good idea to tell them you don't care about their grades. Takes the pressure off to perform in any instance in which they might not be sure of themselves.
Starr
That sounds like a great adventure for the kids! I hope they settle in quickly.
FYI, here in the ol' U.S. of A., they designate sizes and colors of supplies as well as those that are not allowed (Trapper Keepers…do they even make those anymore? Who cares, schools don't like 'em). Teachers often choose sizes that don't even exist, or they pick the ones that are the most expensive (large glue sticks vs. the slightly smaller sticks that are 2 for 1).
You Can Call Me Jane
Oh, I can't wait to hear all about their school adventures. And your solo adventures during the day, too.
P.S. This morning's exchange was a gift. I miss you!!
Suburban Correspondent
Oh, wow – what an adventure! And the best part is, by the time you get back to the States, they'll probably have had enough and be able to appreciate the freedom that homeschooling gives them.
Jennifer Jo
The lack of freedom was one of the biggest drawbacks for the kids (and for me, too). But we've stated up front that family/work/enjoying Guatemala comes first, so the school knows that we'll be in and out as needed. At the same time, we'll try to keep them in school and on as much of a schedule as possible. It's a good set-up, I think/hope.
Anonymous
Oh, wow! What an exciting turn of events. I bet your kids really will learn the language super quick. I have friends who are missionaries in Portugal and their kids attend the Portuguese schools. Now they are almost more Portuguese than they are American.
I hope all went well on the first day. Can't wait to hear all about it! Your children look so cute all dressed up in their uniforms.
~FringeGirl