Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Tough Love Is Really Tough

Update: I never thought I was one of those moms, but I just got back from going to the girls' school a second time (really, it was on the way back from dropping Pedro off - it's not like I made a special trip or anything! *wink*) Anyway, the secretary told me that at recess it actually appeared as though Eva was doing okay (she had several girls trying to talk to her, and she was sticking close to her teacher) but Isabel seemed a little sad. So please keep praying for both girls. We know that many of you are, and we truly appreciate it!

first day of school

My husband says that leaving Eva crying at school today was one of the hardest things he's ever done.

I have to agree.

Unfortunately, we had to practice "tough love" on this first day of the girls' immersion into Chilean school. Isabel entered her class happily and with confidence, with the advantages of having a good grasp on Spanish; a very outgoing personality; and a seat next to the friend she had met at the department store over the weekend. Eva, on the other hand, was very fearful and overwhelmed. We had expected this based on many prior experiences, but based on the same knew we had to see this through today or it would never happen.

On a positive note, the other second grade teacher spoke quite a bit of English and tried to help Eva feel comfortable. So did one of the moms who was dropping off her child. Unfortunately, Eva's second grade teacher does not arrive until tomorrow. We wish that had been different, even though the substitute is her physical education teacher and he was very kind (but I don't think he expected to deal with a wailing second grade girl on his first day back!)

We stayed as long as we were allowed but eventually all parents were asked to leave and my last glimpse of Eva was of her tear-stained face searching for mine through the crowd. Please pray for her to make it through the day, not just to survive but also to make friends and accept this new environment. Even though it is hard, as of right now both Pedro and I still feel this is the right decision and a necessary one. We'll be holding our breath until the end of the day, though!

Thank you for praying.

our beautiful second-grader

our lovely first-grader

10 comments:

HollyMarie said...

Oh, how tough indeed! Praying for
Eva as she makes this transition!

Dale said...

I'll be praying for them, Stephanie!

Eight Is Enough said...

We will definitely be praying for you today!

Anonymous said...

est, i have to admit i started crying when i read today's entry. i remember the first day i dropped max off at daycare, don't worry about being one of "those moms"...it is that you are a mom & that is how mom's are. i can relate to eva because our personalities seem the same, i always clinged to my mom & had a hard time meeting new people...i will be praying for her & her new school. -ang-

Anonymous said...

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." - Romans 15:13

Praying much for you all.

Karen Heald

monica manriquez said...

You are in my prayers and in my heart. God will see them through and you too
I love you
mnica

Terri Fisher said...

We will continue to pray for our nieces today...they look so grown up in their uniforms...the school colors are pretty nice, actually! Keep us updated!

Anonymous said...

Praying for your dear girl Eva!! God is with her and we pray she has peace in the midst of a hard adjustment!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all today! May God bless you with strength today:)
Love, Shauna Caudill

Anonymous said...

I'm praying...and praising with you!

Love & miss you...