Changing Seasons

A new season is about to arrive... and I'm not just talking about fall! The 2008-2009 school season is approaching at a high rate of speed. Our school district begins the new year on August 12th... and not only will Carly be a Junior, Michael will begin Kindergarten! How crazy is that?!

I have to admit that I am a little nervous about Michael beginning Kindergarten. While he has progressed tremendously in the nearly 2 years that he has been with us (if you didn't know we adopted Michael from China in 2006) but there is still so much that is "in the works".

My worries....

communication - while I understand him pretty well, not everyone does - and will his silence when questioned be misconstrued, or be taken for what it is - still processing the questions

eating - in kindergarten you are required to take your tray to the table - his strength, not great, but most importantly he still struggles to eat some foods when they aren't cut up due to his clefting - in kindergarten they get no choice of food, they all receive the same thing... and I don't want to send his lunch because I know that if I do he will WANT what everyone else has!

nervous tics - Michael has a habit of running his tongue over his upper teeth, especially when he reads or is nervous. We have been working hard to break this habit, but it still sneaks through. Will the other kids make fun of this? Probably.....

socialization- While Michael spent his first four years in an orphanage with 30 kids in a room, he has no problem being around other kids. The problem - since he doesn't speak well, and he "looks different" a lot of kids just ignore him. In a lot of instances it is as if he is invisible! He can try to join in a game or activity and most of the time kids just ignore his efforts.

So... the "mama bear" in me is anxious... and wondering what in the world we were thinking when we opted to send him to school instead of homeschooling. But I know that he loved pre-school... he loved being around all of the kids ... and I know that I can't "keep him home forever". He will turn 6 in September and it is time to let him begin his journey.

And will he be okay... yes. I know that without a doubt because we will be covering his days with prayer, and he will be held firmly in the hands of the Father.... even though Mom will be elsewhere.

So today we will go and do some "school shopping".... and a new season will begin. If you have some time, pray for our little guy as he begins this new phase in his life. And pray for Mom... letting go is pretty hard... even when it is for the best!