First Day of School

Talia has started school at a local French School called L'École Blaise Pascal.  Stateside, she would be in second grade.  However, here, they wanted her to start in first grade due to her limited French, which we thought was a great idea.  She was very excited and a little nervous on her first day.  Brady and I started Preschool at home the same day. 

 

First day of school breakfast



So excited!

 Special breakfast

 

A little cheese for the camera

 

 



Out the door, with even enough time for a picture.

Quick family photo,,,"Charlie, pay attention!"

Walking to her classroom

 

There are 2 first grade classes...we were waiting for her name to be called to find out which class she was in.

She was placed in Monsieur Olivier's class and we were very glad!  Talia really enjoys him as a teacher and he brings his guitar often to sing songs with the kids.  He wears his sunglasses on his head, and back at home after the first day, we found Talia looking in the mirror with her sunglasses on her head.  She said, "I like this style"...we knew then, we were off to a good start. 

 

Here's her desk and deskmates

 

 

God has truly walked along side us in this new school adventure.  Before school started, we were introduced to another family who has a 9 year old daughter attending this same school.  Her name is Sarah and she and Talia have hit it off.  Having Sarah at the same school has been a huge help to Talia and made her feel more confident.  Also, Sarah's dad's company pays for him to have a driver and so each morning the driver takes Sarah's dad and mom to their jobs and Sarah to school. Well, they offered to take Talia to school too!  This is a huge praise.  Normally, it would take me 1/2 an hour to take Talia to school; but now it is only 10 minutes, and greatly cuts down the number of police we pass on the way who are looking to pick up some easy francs from the muzungu.  We drop Talia off at Sarah's house at 6:45am and pick her up there again at 1:00pm.  This has helped relieve my fears and apprehension about the driving, not to mention saves us a load of money in gas (almost $7/gallon here)!  God is always so generous to us!

 

Like I mentioned, Brady and I have started some preschool activities.  I have so enjoyed this one-on-one time with him.  He continually surprises me with how much he knows and his joy for learning.  It is precious time together!

 

While I am occupied with Brady, Charlie is usually molding hotdogs out of playdough (at least that's what he says) or trying to stealthily write on the table with a stolen marker.  He is a lot of fun (and we usually end up laughing at all his shenanigans); and he encourages my creativity in keeping a toddler entertained during school time. 

 

Overall, school activities are going well!