Thursday, August 7, 2008

kindergarten orientation



The classroom and his new teacher (in red). And that's Elijah's best friend Isabelle. They are in the same class, which we are all very thankful for.

Elijah took this picture of Jonathan outside his new school.

We had kindergarten orientation tonight at Elijah's new school. He was a little nervous when he was first seated in his classroom, but by the end he didn't want to leave. I tried to explain that starting in 4 very. short. days he'd be spending lots of time there. I only started to cry once, and I'd say that's pretty good for me. I have been praying the last several weeks that Elijah would get the teacher he needed. I think Mrs. Jackson is going to be the right combination of loving while expecting obedience from them.

After the teacher was done talking she asked if there were any questions. A few parents asked questions and then Elijah raised his hand. Very quietly and with a little shake in his voice he asked her how far away Michigan is from Montgomery. She laughed and admitted that she did not really know, but she knew you had to go up. I later explained that Elijah has a cousin in Michigan and that she'd be hearing a lot about him. I was proud that he asked his question with 19 other kids and at least one parent per kid in the room. No way would I have done that at his age.

I am truly excited for Elijah to take this huge step. He is so very ready for it. Me? Not so much. This is the time that I have dreaded since he was a newborn. Talking with other moms this seems very normal. It seemed so far away back then. It wasn't far away at all. It's here. I wonder how I am supposed to walk away from him on Monday morning. But I can honestly feel God tugging at my heart, gently prodding me to let go. I was reminded by a sweet friend of mine a few days ago that God loves Elijah even more than I do. That I may have to leave his side Monday morning, and many mornings after that, but God will always be at his side.

This song will have to be my prayer for the next several days...

Prayers for This Child

by Sara Groves

I do not know how I am to pray for this child
as a mother I don't want my baby denied
but in the waiting in the waiting
I learned

every instinct in me wants to shield him from pain
take the arrows of misery heartache and blame
but in the sorrow in the sorrow
I learned to hold on

I only have two eyes - be all seeing
I only have two hands - be everywhere
I do not know enough - be all knowing
I give my baby up into your care

I do not know how, how to pray for this child
I want to guard him from everything wicked and wild
but in the trial, in the trial
I learned to hold on
And in the trial, in the trial
I learned to hold on to the heart of God


6 comments:

Heidi said...

We had Molly's "meet in greet" yesterday as well. I need to try to get the pictures up soon. We have had a lot of internet problems lately so I'm far behind in uploading pics. I'm glad that Elijah likes his classroom so much and is so excited about school. Molly also seemed to really enjoy being in her classroom yesterday. As I walk Molly into her first day of school Monday I will be thinking of you, Jonathan, and Elijah doing the same thing.

tamblair said...

He will have so much fun at school, and you will have as much fun listening to accounts of his days!! I will be thinking about you on Monday. It is so hard to let go and allow them to grow up. And this is just the first step of many...

Anonymous said...

Glad things went well last night! I was a little sad last night myself watching parents come and go at our school. I wanted to see my sweet "E", but I am glad to know that he has a great teacher and Isabella is in his room. You tell him to keep asking how far Michigan is! Teachers need to know these things! HA!

Unknown said...

Peyton bounced right in his first day. That wasn't so hard for me, but the third day when I had to drop him in the car pool line was hard. He did ask me a little apprehensively last night about first grade, so I'm curious how he acts that first day.

carrie said...

Sending Todd off to school was so hard. I cried like a baby after I got into the car the first day of Kind. I have to say that it has been hard for me this year, too. I got use to being in the building with him. The only thing that helps me is to say a prayer each morning on my way home that he will have a good day and that he will be protected. They do well. It is just hard for us moms!

Rebecca said...

There is not much more I can say than I am right there with you. His classroom looks like it is filled with lots of fun things. I am sure he will have a great time.