Back to School (or should I say "Vissza az Iskolába")

For most of our American friends, school began a few weeks ago. But here in Hungary, it's just getting started. And this year, for the first time in our family, it actually means something to us. This year Carter was able to start school at a Hungarian preschool, called an óvoda. In Hungary, children attend a "preschool" from the ages of 3 - 6 at which time they begin the elementary school. 

Because of the time of our arrival last year, we were not able to enroll Carter in a school until this semester. And to tell you the truth, I don't know if I would have been mentally and emotionally prepared to part with my little guy before now! Fortunately, though, the first few days of school have gone exceptionally well. Carter is very happy with going to school...he likes his teachers and he even tells us he understands what the children are saying to him (in Hungarian, no less!).

Carter in front of his school on the first day.

For the parent of a first-time preschooler in a foreign country, I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year. I had my fears and uncertainties (probably much like most first-time preschooler moms) but I felt that mine were amplified by language and cultural differences. I worried about tears and trauma, but our first days have included none of it.

Of course there are still some things I don't get (like why Carter must change his clothes 6 times a day!) and will always wonder, (like if he will ever eat the Hungarian foods...he tells me he does eat some bread and soup) but I know God has His hand on my (not so) little guy! And that once again, God has gone before us and prepared the way for Carter to attend the right school, at the right time, with the right teachers. We are truly blessed! And I know your prayers for us, especially Carter, have made a difference in the life of a 4 year old American missionary kid in Budapest.

At Peace with Preschool,
Corinne