First Day of School

Remember what it was like the first day of school? I remember it well. Some kids were crying for their moms and falling on the floor. Some walked in the door tentatively while others just weren't sure what this was all about. Me? I was saying good bye to my mom before we even hit school property and couldn't wait to see what cool things were in the classroom. I remember those days. But this year, I got a different perspective on the first day of school. I am working at Esperanza School as a monitor in the kindergarten classroom and teaching English. I absolutely love it! This year we have 24 students which is up from only 10 students last year. Our school year starts in January and goes to October. We have a great group of kids coming in this year and many are from the community. What an opportunity we have to reach so many different kids and their families!

The kids came to school a little frightened and unsure but they did well. Our school is very different than any other school in Guatemala. Our school is bi-lingual but most of the time, we speak only in English to the kids. By the end of the first year, they go from no English to understanding almost everything said and even speaking back to you in English. The first day of school was pretty basic. It was an orientation day. We explanied the rules, did pledges, explained the procedures and played games. The first day was in Spanish to make it easier on the kids but after is mostly English. I am so looking forward to this year. I have to say, it will be interesting. Please pray for the school, the kids and the entire staff. This year we have one Guatemala teacher in training and another Guatemalan lady as our new director along with four missionaries. It is exciting what God is and will be doing through our school.