These Two Kids

Let's face it, these two kids are the children that are going to get the most out of this experience.  They will remember the most, notice the most, and be affected the most.  They are loving the experience and like many growing experiences you find out things about yourself that maybe you didn't realize before.  Here are a few things I have talked about with these two.

I'll start with Jacob.  He loves the freedom to go out after homework is done to the rec center and just play with his friends. Mom and dad don't have to be there, he can go to the candy store and buy a few thing all by himself. (although his self discipline to not spend all his money is non existant) This makes him so happy and gives a great sense of independence.  We are all loving that.
(Lets face it American's have become so over protective that we as parents have a hard time letting our kids be very independent.  There is always a fear that someone will call the police on you because they feel your child is not ready for whatever responsibility you have given them.  I know this from personal experience.  Around here that would never happen and it is very refreshing.)

Back to Jacob, the other funny thing about Jacob is that he is a people person and he draws people to him.  Each of my children has received a very warm welcome from their classes and lots of people want to be their friends but Jacob is different.  Other age groups somehow hear about Jacob and are drawn to him.  Girls and boy 2 years older as well as younger follow him around and learn how to say "will you be my friend"  in English just to talk to him. As a mother all you can do is hope he uses this power for good. (if you knew my brother Kirt you might say Jacob is just like him)

Miranda has also loved the independence and the wonderful friends that have been so great to include her in everything.  Miranda had crowds of people around her for days after we got here and as we have seen Jacob loves that and thrives off of it Miranda is actually not the biggest fan of that much attention.  She has two girls that have become her closest friends here and that is plenty for what she wants.  (although they still gather a large crowd everywhere they go and include everyone)

Funny thing about Miranda is that she feels like she has a hard time relating to the kids her same age but she has a special connection with younger children that is a sight to behold.  Maybe it comes from being the oldest of 6 children but young children love her.  Yesterday over 6 children in the 5-9 range came up to her and gave a drawing that they had made for her.  Most of them were asking to be her friend or something similar.  They just flock to her and she takes the time to stop and kneel next to them and make them feel special.

Love these two kids.  They are so different yet wonderful together.