Back to School

Luke has been back at school a week already and he seems to be doing well. Despite some anxiety when we leave in the morning, he's adjusted to Leni very well. I'm pleased as can be with her, too. The house looks great, I hardly have time to wear an outfit before it's washed, ironed, and hung in my closet, and she's even beginning to cook for us this week! Also, she's very playful with Luke and often takes him to ride bikes and plays basketball with him outside. So far, so good!

Jason and I have been in staff development for a week. The school has been great about giving us time to work in our rooms. We've had at least 1/2 a day each day in our rooms. That would've been plenty to get me started, except I had an art closet FULL of supplies that were all just sitting on tables. The teacher before me had, on several occasions, requested shelves to be built for the closet. She'd told me about the shelves before summer, so when I go there on Sunday and there were no shelves, I was pretty disappointed. I talked to enough people until it happened, though, and Tuesday afternoon the shelves were installed. I spent Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday dusting off and taking inventory of the supplies. Wednesday and Thursday I loaded the closet back up. Now it's super organized (YAY!) and I know every single thing that's in there. I'm pretty happy with it. I did have to go in over the weekend and then again today, which was an optional work day, in order to be prepared for tomorrow, the first day of school. I am pretty confident that I'm prepared for tomorrow (and the rest of this week) but beyond that, I'm on less sure footing.

Everyone at the school has been wonderful--very friendly, welcoming, encouraging. It's been great NOT to be new to Cairo! I recognize myself in the dazed looks of the newest newbies. I've enjoyed helping them out when I can, too.

I am looking forward to meeting the kids tomorrow. I have never had so many students, so remembering names may be difficult for me, but I know we'll get there.

Jason is excited about teaching his IB classes. They're small classes, too. One of them only has 3 students so far! He has enjoyed having me at school with him, and I've enjoyed being there. It's been nice having colleagues again!