School Day, School Day....Golden Rule Day

England 9-23-08

Where have I been today?!!! Well, everywhere I think. We actually got a lot done today.

First, David and the kids got up and went to drop the paperwork off at the “port” so that we can pick up our car that’s been sitting there for, oh a while, tomorrow. They have to have all the paperwork, with all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed, 24 hours before you can pick up your vehicle – if you’ve imported it. It’s a big hassle! However, paperwork turned in, now praying everything goes smoothly, and we will pick it up tomorrow between 1-3p.m.

Once they returned from that adventure we all went over to Pass and Registration (at least I think that’s what it was called, the housing office, and to TMO (traffic management office). I’m learning all these things! Some I already know, but I learn new ones all the time. Anyway – I went to Pass & Registration and got my England drivers license picked up. Then I walked over to the housing office where David and the kids were to find out about umm getting our home inspected, getting reimbursed for staying in Temporary Lodging. While there I stumbled upon a magazine called “Military Spouse” – I never knew that magazine existed! So anyway, I got a copy and now I’ve something to read! It’s very interesting. After we got done there we went over to the TMO building to find out if our belongings (household goods) had arrived yet or not. Guess what? It’s all here!!! AMEN!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Next on our list was umm – the bank! I had to go in and sign papers. We have 2 accounts, one for American money and one for European – at least that’s the way I understood it. This money stuff could get really confusing really quickly…good thing David figures the checkbook and I’ve not touched it!

After that it was lunch time, so we came back to the room to eat, and realized we probably need to go to the commissary for some things. We are out of bologna, need creamy peanut butter, milk…who knows what else. I gotta make a list for tomorrow.
The next thing on our list was “schools”. So we went to the community center, let the kids play, and looked up schools. The first one I found is pretty close to where we will live.

We are in the “catchment” area of that school. Some of the Villages do not have schools, so for those that do not have schools they are put in a “catchment” area, which catches the surrounding villages. Anyway we checked the schools inspection reports, very good…and called to see if they had room for 2 more students. If not we would have to call another school. They only have so much room – I’d never heard of not being able to attend a school, due to no room before, but then again I’ve been learning new things left and right it seems.

We were very pleased with the “Head Teacher” (principle). He gave us a tour of the school, explained something’s to us, and was very nice. We really liked him. He informed us that it is a Christian school (brownie points for us!) and that they do give high priority to the spiritual and moral development of all in the school community and build Christian values into the teaching. Isn’t that wonderful?!

I’ve been reading over all the papers since we’ve been home and so far I’m very pleased with the school we have selected. It’s not a very large school, but it does have everything our kids will need and a little more! Let me just share with you some of the things I’ve read:
• They introduce the Christian faith for all.
• The school holds a daily act of worship.
• They do wear uniforms (something for the kids to get used to) and I read “haircuts/styles are ‘sensible’ and ‘conventional’ with no ‘added extras’ or ‘extreme styles’. The Governors believe that fashion statements through hairstyles are inappropriate for Primary aged children. They need that rule in every school! No more purple hair!
• The pupils (students) are allowed to come home for lunch…weird…I prefer they not, just cause that’s weird – so it’s a good thing they don’t have too…it’s just your choice. They do have an hour for lunch, and if they pack a lunch no fizzy drinks or sweets or chocolates are allowed. They don’t want the kids all hyped up!
• Oh this one is good, “throughout their years at school, the children are taught about their bodies and relationships. At a reception level, this is very factual and basic. As the children progress through school, their lessons become detailed. In years 5 and 6 the girls are taught about growing and changing. When they are 11 sex education is taught and suitable video is shown. I think this just might help me out in the future and help me in teaching Brier some “boundaries”!
• Jewelry should not be worn unless it’s small studs. They need that rule in every school too…no more dog collars!
• They have sports and a field day type thing that includes a picnic.
• Discipline – courtesy, respect, and good manners, together with self-discipline and consideration for others, are important aspects of a child’s education. Where lapses in those areas occur, the teacher has a duty to take the necessary and appropriate corrective measures in the manner of a responsible parent. Brier might actually learn how to sit still! Haha
• One Wednesday’s they have regular achievement assemblies and parents are invited. This could be fun.
• One of the behavior philosophies is to “nip in the bud” very tightly if necessary.
• They will have a Christmas program (I used to love those as a kid).
• They have singing groups, lunch clubs, field trips, swimming, and even a few after school clubs.

So I think the kids are really going to like once they get settled in, and Brier, oh Brier, maybe ya’ll should pray for him. I have a feeling this school will be stricter, and I want him to do well, but he has such a hard time sitting still. He didn’t do too terrible last year; I got a note about once a month on him for not paying attention or things like that. He’s been getting really bad about “talking back” and just flat out being stubborn. I had to get on to him real good today – I’d just had it with their fighting and he proceeded to speak to me in an inappropriate way. So I put him in time out and he just went to screaming. Some day’s I just don’t know what to do with him…I really do want him to do well at this school. I think it will be good for him – so say a pray for him will ya?

Brier and Ashlynn began really arguing and fighting yesterday and it carried on over into today. I know they are tired and they want to be in their own home and I know everyone’s patience is thin as paper, but just a few more days. I just keep saying that…so I guess we could all use some prayer in that department. Getting settled in England is very time consuming, sometimes boring, and tiring…but we are getting there! Little by little we really are.

So tonight for something different, we ate dinner, and went to the base theater and watched Narnia 2. The kids loved it, although now Brier wants to sword fight, what will I ever do with him? Actually, I’m considering putting him into a karate class – spend his kicking, jumping, and other energies there…rather than all over the place would be a much better use of them I believe. Funny thing is I mentioned it and Ashlynn said, “me too! I want to take karate too!” So we will see…later!

Anyway – tomorrow we go buy school uniforms, go to commissary, pick up the car, and who knows what else! Our home gets inspected Thursday and we should sign the lease and be good to go. So keep us in your prayers, we’re so close. I hope everyone is doing well and I can’t wait to post and say “We’re moved in! This is HOME!”

Goodnight and God Bless.

~T~