Toby Goes to School

Toby started first grade this week. We are all rather relieved, because he sure was bored during his vacation. Portuguese preschool (actually kindergarten) ended in July, and he ran out of things to do long ago. One of his favorite pasttimes lately has been
pestering his younger brother, who alternately screams with delight and with anger at the loving attention.

But the main reason we are glad is that we know he will really enjoy it. His time at the Portuguese school was good, and he accomplished our goal of speaking Portuguese pretty well. But the frustration of not being able to understand everything that was said to him, the uncomfortable feeling of being different (the only white kid), the inability to communicate what was in his heart, those things often added up to a dread of entering those doors. He persevered and now he heads off to a new, easier adventure.

And he is ready for it! I managed to snap this photo as he ran away from the car without a backwards glance. You'll notice that he has no shoes on - many of the missionary kids go without shoes all day, except for gym class. The teachers, who are moms or volunteers from the USA, are like aunties (but strict ones) and parents come and go all day, helping with various things or teaching extra classes like art and PE (Kevin is teaching this with a Dutch missionary!). There is a mix of nationalities, with American, Dutch, German, Zimbabwean and Swazi/Mozambican represented. We are so thankful for this beautiful little school and for the people who have worked so hard to provide it. It is making this little missionary kid very happy. Enjoy learning to read, Toby!

Cami