my first week

its been a roller coaster ride of emotion this week.
monday we were off, but i was nervous as h---, so not too relaxed.

tuesday was our first day and we were off to a running start.
after all,
kids are kids,
anywhere you go.
and these kids were ready.
one pair of teary eyes
and lots of smiles as they came to be a part of "our" classroom.
i could not have felt more welcome.
i was given apples-
and two sets of flowers this week.
one delivered at the beginning of the week as a welcome
one at the end because i made it through my first week there.

and i did make it through.
and i made it through happily.
i was more nervous the second day than the first, now a bit more sure of what to expect
but not how i would handle it all.
but, by the end of the day, i was feeling old hat.
kids are kids,
anywhere you go.

confidence and kindness, kindness and confidence.

i made 17 new little friends this week.
how i love learning the intricacies of each of their personalities
and how they will all work as a group.
we are developing a community at rapid speed.
and we are getting along.
and we are able to work quietly and independently.
and we are able to set goals for ourselves this year.
and i was able to see at least one light already go on for child.
its a magical moment when you see it light up their face with understanding.

and so i have also been loving my increased amount of planning time during the day
and the help of an assistant,
a wonderfully competent and organized and thoughtful assistant.
and i have enjoyed coming home
after such a short drive
and breathing deep breaths
and feeling relaxed and calm.
its almost joyous.

kindness and confidence.