1st Day of School

WE DREADED THE MOMENT OF SEPERATION.

BUT IT HAD TO COME SOME DAY.

We are no longer the full time teachers and guardians of our oldest daughter! Now we have an awesome group to help us - the faculty and staff of Pan American Christian Academy - PACA (http://www.paca.com.br/). This school began as a pre-school for missionary kids, and today is a place for American/Brazilian curriculum, 350+ students, K-12th grade, with sound Biblical education. Kerry even studied here. Can leaving Anna Laura in the hands of these people be easy, even knowing this? Nope. Especially since this Kindergarten is a FULL DAY (ugh). No more easing into it. It's " BAM, give me your kid for 7 hrs. a day!!" Behind the smiles of Mom & Dad are many emotions of happiness, sadness, questions - "Is she ready? Did we prepare her well? Will she remember ... ? Will she make good friends? What will they think of her? What will she say?..." (You might be able to understand and add to the list.) Well... we are so proud of our little/big girl and think she might skip right to second grade (haha), but deep down we know God is leading her and she will do great and learn what she needs to. Here are some moments of our 1st day at school.

Last minute preparations - uniform, lunch box with lunch and drink, backpack with clothes, material, hair done, hugs given.... wipe a tear. (Larissa is happy for her big sister and not aware yet of the playmate seperation ahead. Good times with Mommy to replace it).

Princess lunchbox for our princess!

Who is this big girl with a great, excited smile on her face, going to Kindergarten? She was so excited yesterday she wanted to do homework in her learning book Grandma gave. Hope that attitude never leaves.
Leaving Anna Laura off at her classroom - full of parents taking picutres, wiping tears, and happy children who are glad to be with friends and running off to be together without giving hugs and kisses goodbye! =)



So great to be in class knowing some good friends from church! (interesting tidbit - A.L. is studying in the same class as Gabriella Domingues Ramos (far right) whose father Fred was in Kindergarten together with Kerry many moons ago.) Emma Vieira (also in pink) is another great friend of A.L. who comes over to play at our home. Now to meet some other friends.
Look - I have my own space on the table!!!

Mrs. Kuhns is A.L.'s teacher (also lives just up the street) and Mrs. Rugg will also help. Fun looking classroom.
Last name ending in "A" means role call comes early. (Oh yes, had to be a Princess backpack.)

Our other neighbors are leaving their oldest in 1st grade. A.L. & Joshua are good friends. So are Larissa & Miles. Will they study together?

They hope so! Oh my. Future students.