First day of school in Mexico City (2008/2009)

by Jim on 18 August 2008

It was an early morning here as we got the kids ready for their first day of school.  Uniforms on, backpacks ready, lunches packed, breakfasts eaten.  I went out to the van – chilly morning, I could see my breath – and everyone got in and away we went.

Nathanael emerges from his school
Nathanael emerges out of his school
after the first day

We successfully found Hannah’s school.  Her classes start earlier than Nathanael’s, so we all went there for the welcome ceremonies, including a presentation of the flag, speeches and introductions of the teachers.  Nathanael couldn’t stand still that long, so he and I missed the last bit.  He did like the bathrooms there, though, which have a huge painted Superman for the boys and a Wonder Woman for the girls.

With Hannah safely at school, we headed over to Nathanael’s school.  We got there just in time, and in he was whisked.  Did I even say goodbye?  It was all so sudden!  These days are certainly more stressful for the parents than the kids, right?

After some time we picked up Nathanael.  He was very happy and had lots to tell us – especially that he had eaten all his lunch (although he also told us he had "shared" some of it).  He seems to really like his school, and is convinced it’s better than Hannah’s (where all they seem to do is give boring speeches).

Hannah is home from school

Shari went to pick up Hannah.  The traffic was horrendous, so I think we may be looking for alternate routes!  However, Hannah had a great day too.  I missed the initial excitement, of course, since I didn’t pick her up.

We thought we were doing well getting everything ready for school until today.  Hannah got a note home in her bag, telling us that they had forgotten some things that she needed to bring to school.  Would we please buy them and have her bring them on Tuesday?

We also got Nathanael’s list of school supplies (they didn’t have a copy when we registered).  60-some-odd different items to buy.  Not just one of each, either – several.  Having been through this once, we know what most of them are.  But there are a few… ! – - and where do we buy these? ! and …. we need them by when??

Well, we’re swamped as usual.  But overall, the day went pretty well, everyone likes school, and no one lost a limb.  So far so good.

And now that are the parents are rushing around trying to buy last minute school supplies, it’s time to get ready for Christmas!  Here’s a photo I took of Nathanael today at WalMart…

Nathanael and an electronic Santa at WalMart
Nathanael with an electronic Santa
at WalMart today

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Dennis 18 August 2008 at 7:03 pm

I forgot how early we get ready for Christmas in Mexico! Sounds like you all had a busy day. Praying for you.

Grandma & Grandpa W 19 August 2008 at 10:55 am

Sounds like Hannah and Nathanael had a great first day of school! We look forward to hearing more about it on the phone soon! Thanks for the interesting detailed account!

Grandma C 19 August 2008 at 1:18 pm

Interesting perspectives on the first day of school there. I really enjoyed reading it. Is that really Nathanael with the Santa? Looks like a little Mexican boy to me!

Speaking of Santa, we have our card to pick up our Christmas Wish Book from Sears. Scarey stuff!

Grandma C 19 August 2008 at 1:21 pm

Hannah, you look really sharp in your uniform!

Jim 19 August 2008 at 2:26 pm

Yes, it’s Nathanael all right. Notice there are two boys – the one holding Santa’s hands is Nathanael. He tipped Santa over, and I caught him just in time!

Alan 20 August 2008 at 8:47 am

That sounds very exciting. I especially liked hearing about the painting on (in?) the bathrooms! (Copyright issues aside ;)
Hannah, you look wonderful in your uniform. I’ve sometimes thought it would be neat if kids in Canada had uniforms to go to school in. I wonder if you like your uniform, of if you would rather wear whatever you want to school…

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