Peace Out, Yo!

The German schoolyear runs from September 13 through the end of July. Every year. So when we arrived here, chances for my children meeting peers their own age were reduced to afternoons and weekends. Having finished their own school year at the end of May in the States, we all found comfort in knowing that we would have three months to learn more German and to adjust to life here before entering what will be the biggest life-change for my two girls and for me while we live abroad . . . going to school.

Except – the school wanted a week to work with them before this school year ended. Just five days. And, well, this is the week. Who knew I’d be taking a (Sort of) 1st Day of School picture in the middle of July?

We chose a Private Montessori School for them because we believe it to be the best choice, given their (great) lack in the German language as well as the inclusiveness and flexibility of the Montessori system, based on my very limited, but growing understanding of it. A good choice, I believe. A choice we actually prayed about for a long time, a very long time, and with fervency. Many of you helped us pray about it, too. Perhaps that’s How I was able to walk away this morning with such calm peace, unlike most emotions I’ve known. (And trust me, I know a lot of emotions! Just ask my husband. Well, actually, if you know me at all, you probably don’t need to ask anyone. I’m not very good at hiding any of them. Duly noted, thank you very much.) If you would have watched me walk away from that school yard this morning, holding my bag in my hand and leaving two parts of my heart inside, you would have seen the peace. No doubt. Because it was hard for all of us. And okay, all at the same time. Because I have no doubt that they can do this. Because God has endowed each of my children with the splendor and over-the-top acceptance and love. Because He gives them courage. Because they have the Holy Spirit of God living inside of them for every single moment of this adventure — 1st (sort of) days of school and all. Because He has already, in just this one month since we’ve been here, hooked us up beyond what we even thought we needed or wanted.

The biggest morning since the day we left Ohio, and we made it through the early hours. I walked away and drove the 35 minutes home a new way (which was not on purpose. My friend, Garmin the Great, told me to turn right, which I did and then told me she had to recalculate the route. She seems kind of moody.). The new route was gorgeous, and I even had my own music as a soundtrack (no, it was not Maria or any of the von Trapps!) thanks to the super cool attachment thingy for my mp3 in the Zafira we are driving. As I came around one of the curves, I noticed a little place to pull off and enjoy the gorgeous overlook of the scene below.

It took my breath away. For real. I wish I could capture it with my lens so that you could expereince the breathtaking, too.

Guess you’ll have to just trust me on this one. That seems to be a theme for today. The whole year, actually.

And so, I write this post with somewhat of an alterior motive. I mean, I do want to tell you all about life here and about school and my kiddos. But I wanted to ask you to pray this week. For peace. For courage. For friends. And I want to thank you in advance.