First Day of School

After a restful 4 days, with us just adjusting to life in Jordan, we have found ourselves waking up at 5.50am to start the day and prepare to go to the school. The day is greeted with a beautiful sunrise that quiet frankly blinds us. First order of the day 2 cups of tea for Abi and a strong black coffee for Richard!

We have known that the transition from the UK to Jordan was not going to be easy and particularly as Lilian has felt quite anxious about being away from family and friends. However the walk into the school this morning was with minimal moan and groan, and both children ran into school as they came through the school gates.

For the rest of the day, here is a summary from both of us:-

Abi

I have experienced an anxious anticipation in the few days leading up to today and a deeper feeling of inadequacy for this role I have been placed in, however this morning as we prayed these feelings were overridden by excitement and a more joyful anticipation for the role I have been given and the people I have now met.  Both staff and children have been very welcoming, and for the most today I just observed the classroom and assisted Lilian and George in their process of settling in (read their bits to find out more...)

Richard

Not having a job is something that I have not experienced in my life and the idea of "just" looking after the children has seemed quite a fun prospect, though after a few days, I have concluded that my wife is a super hero!!!!

The main part of my day has been spent shopping for both the school and home. Fraser's trusted taxi driver, Osama has been great, showing me where to go and where to definitely not go.  Visiting some of the stores brought an element of reality, as they had no electronic signs, no real sense of commercialism and not many home comfort foods. All the people we met were really friendly and appreciated the custom.

George

George got stuck straight in, choosing to mostly participate in activities he was familiar with. (In the Montessori environment the children have a wide range of activities to choose from, each activity builds skills of one variety or another, but the point is the child is the one who decides what they would like to work on today).  George went from completing one activity to another with a beaming smile on his face, demonstrating his eagerness to get stuck in and his readiness to learn.  He did puzzles, practices using a magnet, carried out pouring exercises, helped himself to snack, transferred small balls from one container to another, and much more...  He really enjoyed playing and working in the classroom, and fell asleep eating his dinner at 5:30pm showing how hard he's worked today!

Lilian

Lilian woke last night with a deep unrest and anxiety about today.  She didn't want to attend this morning as she anticipated the new experience today would bring but couldn't process what this would be like.  She took some time to settle in to the class room, clinging to Mum much of the time initially, that was until two sweet little girls went out of their way to ensure she felt welcome and drew her pictures which began to put her at ease.  As Lilian worked in the English centre of the classroom she enjoyed her work, discovering new ways of practicing to read with Mrs Puanana.  She is now excited about another day at school tomorrow!