First day of school...

Well, this morning began with some good chats with friends wishing well on my first day of school. Let me tell you, it is so strange not being at San Gabriel with Grandma and Ruth. So sad...Anyways, Alison and I took our first day of school picture in the apartment before heading to school for devotions. We arrived at school and the first thing you see is all these children wearing grey shorts (boys) or blue plaid skirts (girls) with navy blue polos. They have SERIOUS uniforms! hehe My day started off a bit stressful because the kids are all hanging out outside my classroom and are walking in, playing with toys, using the bathroom, etc. I had to be "teacher" about 20 minutes before I needed to. Turns out though that my room is no longer being used as the daycare room, which I was not made aware of. Needless to say I will be keeping my door locked from now on! At 8:00 the bus leaves to take the older kids to their campus, leaving only Preschool, Pre Kindergarten, and Kindergarten, a much better number for the sign of the outside area! 8:15 rolls around and it's time for me to pick up my kids. They are all running wild, with the exception of one of my boys who is clinging to his mother for dear life and crying. I was thankful he wasn't at screaming volume. I peeled him off his mother and had him in my arms (lucky for me he is only 4 lol) where he buried his head in my neck and continued to cry. While I have this child in my arms I try to gather my kids to make two lines and have some order. The first day of school is supposed to be a time for beginning routines and practicing procedures so I was not about to just let them all come in the classroom on their own accord. We get into the classroom and I get them started on an activity while I try to calm this child down. To make a long story short, he literally cried himself to sleep and woke up at 10 for recess and was fine the rest of the day...whew! Now, on to the rest of the class. I think all I need to say is that this group of kids went through 3 teachers last year, did not finish their curriculum (they played instead), and I found out today that they walked all over every teacher they did have last year! YAY! I am basically starting 10 steps behind where they should be in normal circumstances. There are definitely some behavioral issues (many of you will know what I mean when I say that one child already has a tape box!) So...It was a tough day. It all escalates being so far from home and not having the comfort of my school buddies who understand what I'm going through. Alison and I are real swell tonight...she also had a FRUSTRATING day! But at the end of the day I know this is where God has me and I will persevere with his strength, cuz I know I sure can't do it on my own! The learning experience continues...Tomorrow is a brand new day!

This is a song I've heard since being here in Japan and I really enjoy listening to it when I'm having a tough time. I tried to add it my playlist, but it wasn't on file so I just listed the lyrics.

"Quiet My Heart" Lyrics
by Brooke Barrettsmith

My mind wanders away

Dreaming of where I could be on another day

I'm always so far ahead

I seem to miss the one that I'm in

And I regret the time I lost

Slow me down before it's gone

Right here in the moment I'm given

I'll treasure the breath that I breathe in

And I'll rest in You

You quiet my heart

Somehow every second that's passing

Is filled so much meaning

As I wait here with You

Quiet my heart

I get stuck in between
Yesterday and all that tomorrow brings

When all that You want from me

Is that I come and sit at your feet

And know that You are God

And with You no time is lost

Don't let me run away

Show me why I should stay

Open my eyes to take in Your beauty

Keep me here in this place

Take me in Your embrace

There's no place I'd rather be than right now