End of the School Year: Josh

Looking back on pictures of our May and June, I am amazed at how much was packed into those few weeks. Not only did we have end of school and soccer stuff for the kids, but we had Mother's Day, the twins' birthday, my birthday, our anniversary, and Father's Day (these two months kick our butt every year!). We also had a visit from my sister with three of her kids and we said goodbye to four families that had become really good friends here in Monterrey. Least to say: now that the twins are out of school and life has settled down a bit, we're recovering with lots of quiet time at home!

Josh's school ended earlier than most, on May 24, because the school building on back2back's campus is used as dormitories in the summer for mission trip guests. The last week of school for him and I was crazy, hectic, and fun. Adding to the craziness, Ben was also out of town for the week; he took a super early flight from Portland to Monterrey on Friday so that he could make it back in time for the ceremony on Friday evening. 

The ceremony was short and sweet. Each of students said a Bible verse that they had learned over the course of the year and each student was prayed over by their parents. We're so thankful that Josh and I got to be a part of this wonderful ministry. It was a great opportunity for him to mature and learn in a safe setting. I'm thankful that I got to be his teacher and for a chance to make some great friendships with my co-teachers. I definitely won't miss the 45-50 minute commute each way (Josh and I have listened to 16 audiobooks since January!), but we will miss the beautiful back2back campus and the times with friends there. 

Students and staff at SMCA 2018-19

 Kindergartens reciting their Bible verse, which looked a lot like Elias saying the verse and Josh and Lucas mumbling along. 

 Josh was awarded "Best Smile" by his classmates...I agree!  

 Praying for our Josh boy

 My fellow teachers: I was so grateful for them and their friendships!

 Kindergarteners:Elias, Lucas, Josh (Can we just pause and say how amazing this background is!)

 Christina and I with our class 

 I have never seen a group of people so talented at doing a goofy picture

 Family picture (when will the bunny ear phase end?)

 I'm ready for Josh to be out of this posing phase. 

 Christina and I: she has really became a great friend to me! 

 Look how much he has grown up this year! 

And a few pictures from the end of school field day:

 So serious

Grateful to be in this together 

 Look how beautiful the campus is in the background! 

 Watermelon and tajin (a Mexican chili spice that kids put on fruits and veggies...I haven't embraced it, but my kids sure have!)

 So. Much. Fun.

Josh didn't have any fun, right?

First vs. last day of school pic

 This final picture is of Josh doing Spanish lessons at AIM in the month of June. He will be joining the twins at AIM next year in E2, which is the equivalent of kindergarten at that school. While he is nervous, he seems to be much more accepting of going to school (without mom) than he was before. We're thankful that he got to do four Spanish lessonsin the classrooms that will be his next year and are praying that it helps him be more prepared for drop off next year. Our littlest sure is growing up!