Mixed Emotions

As the girls and I walked to school this cold, Autumn day and they were chattering away, these are the thoughts that were rolling around inside my head. (Beware, it's long and random)

It's cold today. 43 degrees to be exact. At least it's sunny and not tipping down. Just means an extra layer of clothes for the school girls and hats, gloves and scarves for everyone. And the cosey- toes for Addison in the stroller. I sure wish Marc did not have early Monday meetings so he could walk with us, or better yet, drive us to school. That's okay, at least it's not raining. Yay for sun! Wow, it really is chilly. Good thing the girls have hats on. When did they grow up? I'm so proud of them for not moaning about walking to school. It's a good 15 minute walk up to the school and they have not complained once since September. I can't believe Bailey has not fussed about walking. If anyone would complain, it would be her. I can't believe she's in Nursery. This time last year it was Cerys I was sending off to school. Now they are both going. I can't believe kids go to school so young here. My babies are too young.

But I'm so glad they love it. I'm so glad they are learning about the world around them and about different cultures. I'm so proud of them. I think it's funny that of all the friends in her class, Bailey talks about a little boy named Mohammed the most. They chase each other on the playground, how cute. They sit together at snack. I wonder what they talk about? I wonder if the other kids make fun of Cerys' American-isms? I sure hope not. I wonder if you would even know she's American if you walked into her class, her accent is pretty good these days. Maybe her hairbows give her away? Oh Lord, please be near to them and protect them and help them to know that they belong to you!

I really don't want to play "I spy with my wittle eye" Bailey, but okay. It will make the time go faster. When did Cerys get so smart? She really is clever. I sure wish our parents could see the girls walking to school. They would be so proud too. Some days I love living here, other days I'm so sad that our families miss out on our lives so much. They've just about missed Addison's first year. She will be 10 months old when we go on our stateside. I'm so excited about that, just 10 weeks! I have a nephew that I've never even met and we will all be together for Christmas! Thank you Lord. I know you have called us here. I know this is where we are suppose to be. I do love our simple life here. Will our girls grow up to love this experience or hate us? Please Lord, let them love it. Will we want to come back after a 6 month stateside? Will we miss this? Will the girls be jealous of their cousins in America or happy with their life here? Oh Lord, so many things on my heart today.

Oh, there's my jolly German friend. She cracks me up. I love her broken English accent and how she squeezes Addison's cheeks every time we see her. It's neat to walk to school and see our school-mates families and have a little chat. I don't feel so lonely now walking with her to the school gate. Oh, there's our other friends that moved from Swansea, all 3 girls in tow like me. Glad I'm not the only one! I'm sure glad we walked today or we would have missed out on our little chat. I hear whispering and wonder if it's me that the group of covered ladies are talking about. Oh, this is so uncomfortable at times. Just keep walking and smile. It's obvious we are Americans isn't it? Why does that make me so uncomfortable at times?

There she goes, into her class. I love her. I can't believe she will 5 in a few weeks. I wonder what she will come home talking about today. She better drink her thermos of water today at lunch. That girl hardly drinks anything. Ok, time to take Bailey into her class. Look at her, so grown up, taking her hat and coat off and hanging it on her hook. I love her. I hope her teachers like her and that she has friends. Oh, there's Mohammed, good. She will play with him today I'm sure.

Ok, just me and you Addie. Let's walk home. I'm glad I put my scarf on. Whew, chilly. Why is my phone beeping? Oh ya, I didn't charge it last night. Oh man, I don't have my house keys! OH NO, my phone is about dead too. Please, please, please be enough charge to ring Marc. Marc is laughing at me. At least he's not mad that he has to leave his meeting to come home and let me in. What a dork. I can't believe I didn't grab my purse. Thank you Lord that my phone worked enough to call him. I get to enjoy the cold air a bit longer while I sit and wait.

At least it's not raining.

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