Ariana goes to school

As down country missionaries in Ethiopia, we have the option of
placing our kids into the mission school classrooms when we come to
Addis. We have to pay for the privilege and notify the school two
weeks in advance. For some families this works really well. The
concept is both wonderful and difficult at the same time. Putting our
kids into this context for socialization is a great idea....if our
kids are able to quickly adapt into a formal school setting without
knowing most of the kids. And for those who come regularly enough to
Addis, it is easier. 

 In September our three oldest children spent 4 days in the classrooms
but we haven't had the chance to place them into the classroom again.
We had hoped to do it this week but it is spring break. We had one
1/2 day free last week so Kalia and Joel went to the library and took
out new books and played on the playground while I sat in the
classroom with Ariana. Ariana had a very difficult time in September
and so I wanted to see her have a positive experience in the
classroom. She needs time to adapt to unknown circumstances and she
had me promise I would stay. 

We had a pleasant morning together and
I am happy to say that some of her fearful memories have been replaced
with happier ones. She enjoyed some informal playtime, reading books,
hands on Math (measuring volume) and music class.

I am always amazed at how brave and adventurous our kids are when they
feel secure and then how timid they can become in other situations.
Obviously we want to see our children thrive wherever they are and
not hold them back from difficult things. At the same time, we want
to raise them in an environment that allows them to flourish. 

 It is not that long ago that MKs (missionary kids) had no option but
to be placed in boarding and into formal schooling. It is a joy to
see MKs now thriving as parents are able to meet their children's
emotional and educational needs in different ways at different stages
in their development. For most downcountry families, this means
homeschooling. It is a joy as parents to be able to have our children
with us participating in ministry together. At the same time, we
appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we seek to make excellent
choices for our family.