The sunnyside of life

I haven't posted in some time, I know. I think my Chicago trip wore me out more than I realized; I was so exhausted each and every day last week. And, lest you think it is always gorgeous and wonderful here in A2 (ha!), we had about five solid days of gray and yuck.

Plus, IEM had his first difficult day at school. On Thursday, he didn't want to get out of the car. When I picked him up, he immediately burst into tears and told me a long tale of having no friends, being sent to the principal's office because he had no friends, and never ever never wanting to go back there.

I spoke to his teacher on the phone and she assured me that he had not, in fact, been sent to the principal's office. But that he had, in fact, attached himself to a trio of boys who don't seem to want any more in their group. Hence the alienation. It absolutely broke my heart to see him so distraught (already) over playground politics and group dynamics. I hope that he can just learn something about finding other friends and appreciating everyone in his class, not just these three boys. I have my first official parent/teacher conference this coming week so I'm hopeful to learn more about IEM as a learner and citizen. He really has loved school thus far and we notice everyday something Montessorian that he has picked up from his teachers and peers. I hope this is just a hiccup and we move on. We didn't have school on Friday so tomorrow will be his first day back.

This weekend, we enjoyed a delightful visit with Breenjeanie. Unfortunately, they didn't get to enjoy any delightful weather until this morning when they were leaving for home. Today was absolutely beautiful: clear skies and 50s. Yesterday, at the Big House, it was raining, blowing 60 mph gusts and miserably cold. Oh well. Now they know what we're in for over the next few months.

We had some great meals and wonderful wine and IEM really enjoyed seeing them. EPM seemed curious as to why they were here, like she remembered them but they were out of context here in A2.

This morning we hosted a brunch at Wallace House in honor of Thomas Kamalindi, KWF'06. He is a Rwandan who worked for the BBC in Rwanda when the genocide started. He was sheltered in the "Hotel Rwanda" and broke the story of hotel manager Paul Rusesibegina's heroism. Thomas also lost many in his family and the memories of what happened and what he saw are obviously still with him. The reason for the brunch was that he recently was granted political asylum in the United States. He still lives here in A2 and is now working for the State Department as a translator.

He was genuinely and deeply touched by all of the people, including many from his own class, who showed up in his honor. I think the blue skies were a nice reminder that with every dark, dark day, there is the hope, still, for sunshine.

Thanks for stopping by.