Maya's 5th First Day of School

She's not even in kindergarten yet, but Maya is no stranger to the first day of school. I sent her off today to preschool for the 5th time. She has now been to 5 different schools in 4 different countries in 2 different languages. She's a trooper.

Though today was the only time I had a hard time sending her away. The school is about 45 minutes away, and she had to ride the bus by herself. No parents allowed. She was so brave, getting on board and waving goodbye to us. I could tell she was nervous, but no tears -- at least from her.

In contrast, I spent all 13 grades with the same kids I grew up with. And still I was nervous each First Day of school. Now I get to be nervous all over again for my kids.



It's a horrible picture, but the rest only had the back of Dave's head :) Her "bas sekolah" is nice and equipped with seatbelts and a/c. Here you can barely see the teacher buckling her in the front seat. Hopefully I'll get a better shot on the way home.

6 comments

Rachel said...

I don't know how you do that so well, Shir. And Maya is so brave! I don't think I could have been so brave at her age. Wow!

Cath said...

Oh my goodness! 45 minutes away! And alone!? I think you're just as brave! But wow - Maya is one tough little girl. What does she do on the bus?? Love you guys!

Becca said...

Wow! I started to cry just reading your post. I couldn't do that. So brave of both of you.

The Busby Family said...

wow, what a brave little girl and family. How are you doing? How is your ears? Hope all is well!

jessi said...

I was laughing hysterically from reading the title of the post and the first few sentences. What a brave little Maya. She will have fun stories to tell about her early childhood when she gets older.

Angie said...

Hello again! I check in on your blog every so often. I totally recognize that bus! Yeap Transport took Ben for his first while here in Singapore until we moved out of the city closer to where the school is. Loved the aunties that buckled them in everyday. Anytime you want to come visit us down here let us know. We'd love to have you stay with us and explore Singapore.
angie