Naoh Started Kindergarten

Noah wrapped up his first week of kindergarten here in Innsbruck. I don't think he could have possibly been more excited than he was on his first day. There is a great school just a few blocks from our apartment here in Igls that we can walk to and from. Armed with his "Bob The Builder" backpack and his snack, he set off for his first day at school. I missed it becuase I was meeting a guy to buy a car that he didn't have anymore (see post about car). Stacey of course was a basket case after she left, crying all the way home. I think that's par for the course for a pregnant mom, though.

I think pure excitement carried him through the first two days and then reality set in. Noah does not speak German and none of the kids in his class speaks English. His teachers speak a little, but not much. As a result, Noah is having a difficult time integrating into the group. Almost every morning now he says he does not want to go. When I pick him up, he is usually playing by himself. the teacher says to give it about 3 weeks for him to fit in. I hope we can make it that long. As a parent, your heart breaks to see your child feel lonely and excluded, but we know that this phase will pass and it will be a great learning experience for him.

It's times like this that we realize how much our children are affected by the lifestyle we live as missionaries. While we know that God has called us here to Austria, we also want to give our children as "normal" of a life as we can. We have to believe that God cares for our kids even more than we do and He would not have brought us here if he didn't intend to take care of them and provide them with everything they need. We also know that our kids are going to live an exciting life that most kids would only dream of. Please pray for Noah that he would quickly fit into the group and that kids would start reaching out to him to include him in things. Also pray for his german to progress quickly so he can interact. Be blessed!