First week of school

The first day, we got big sister on bus just fine. Now, here, the first few days the buses run late, and poor big sister was released to go out to the bus, and the bus was not there. She didn't know where to go or what to do. She called me, and I tried to help, but I do not have international calling on my phone, so I could neither text nor call her back. Problems! She got home, but they put her on a bus with three other students. She was upset. She had had a rough day. No one had talked to her, she was sad. I told her I understood that it was hard, that I remember being in Japan and how different it was, and I at least had people with me that spoke English. I got on Facebook and appealed the s group I belong for kids to talk to her the next day. One of her classmates said they would, that they had thought about doing so but didn't because she looked nervous. Another girl of her same age volunteered to meet us at school and show her around and introduce her to friends. 

I showed big sister the pictures of the girls she would meet the next day, and I think she was encouraged.

Next day I drove my older daughter, for now to me she is not just big sister but my eldest child, to school the second day to meet the girl. She seemed friendly, I felt better, wished my girl a better day and left before I became an embarrassment. 

She came off the bus and it was wonderful, a great big smile. She had such a better day. Happy and much more animated and interactive than before. We hung out with my neighbor for a while, she even went shopping and got a treat. 

Next day was even better, she had made more friends, a boy. Now this worried me a little, because she is not allowed to date, but I was glad because she was so happy. He asked a few things, that led to a conversation about how fast American boys move sometimes, and being careful about what you say and what you do. I told her if her text her and she wasn't sure about the meaning  would help her interpret. Turns out the boy is another exchange student.

Thursday was another happy day, and the. Our local representative came for our orientation. Went over ground rules. We talked again about being with boys and out with friends. 

Today was Friday. Yay! Again happy off the bus, she has made friends in almost every class now.  She is talking more.  I helped her a little understanding something they did in class. We had spaghetti and she had two helpings (yay for food she likes!) then after dinner we played board games. Little sister was a big cheat, and way too excited so had to be calmed down a couple of times.  The. We put together a puzzle, one of the big floor puzzles that are easy but a good way to calm down for a hyper six year old.  Then little sister had a nice bath. The. Off to bed for little sister while big sister chatted with her new friends.

Now both girls are in bed after a long fun day, and a mostly good week, and I have some things I wish I had known or done before I had begun.

1.  I wish I had thought to introduce her, or find someone to introduce to her, that would be on her bus with her, a bus buddy. It would have made that first day better maybe.

2. I do wish little sister was a little older for her, because the. They could go to school together. Yet I am glad that little sister is so young, because she immediately loved her big sister and big sister loves her and is relaxed round her.

I am glad we have done this. Big sister is a wonderful kid and makes our family bigger. As time goes on I can see myself getting rather attached to her. It will be fun to watch her open up.