On Monday, March 4th Cody and I took Noah to his "Big Boy" school, as we call it, to enroll him in kindergarten. I can't believe Noah is old enough for kindergarten! Noah will be a Jackson Tiger, just like I was. I have lots of fond memories of my elementary years at Jackson. I hope Noah's experience is just as good as mine if not better.
The night before we took Noah to enroll, I told Noah what we would be doing the next day. I didn't realize he had so much anxiety about going to "Big Boy" school. He cried when he learned we were going to that school. He said he didn't want to leave his preschool and his friends because he wouldn't know anyone at this new school. Transitions are hard, especially when it's brand new. However, when we pulled into the a circle drive of the front of the school the next day, Noah was smiling. "Is this really my school, Mom?" He was practically leaping out of the car! The three of us headed to the office to fill out some forms and turn in the required paperwork: birth certificate, two proofs of residency (utility bills) and immunization records. We met the principal, Mr. Stevens. Cody signed up for the Watch Dog program which is a group of dads who patrol the school in an effort to increase security. I spent time talking with the school counselor, Mr. Wilson, who was MY counselor over 20 years ago, and the secretaries. One of the secretaries searched for a yearbook from my years at Jackson. She came back empty-handed, thank goodness. Mr. Stevens invited us to take a tour of the school. The first classroom we toured had a Scooby Doo flag outside the door. Immediately Noah felt at home. "If this place has Scooby Doo, it has to be cool," Daddy said. Noah agreed. We toured the library, the gym, the gazebo and pond used for outdoor science. We toured all the grade level classrooms, just on the outside looking in. We saw the cafeteria and the music class. Noah met two of the Kindergarten teachers, who Cody and I know, and spent some time in each classroom. By the end of our time there at Jackson, Noah was feeling much better about this whole idea of "Big Boy" school.
I didn't realize that I, too, would have anxiety about this transition. And that this tour was just as good for me, too. Being on familiar territory was reassuring for me. Seeing familiar faces knowing Noah would be impacted by them also brought me peace. However, that word, "kindergarten" still brings me excitement, and also a very heavy anxiety because kindergarten begins Noah's career in public school. I didn't realize I would be emotional about this milestone. Questions I can't answer run through my mind when I think about my son being a part of public school: Will he have good teachers? Will he be outspoken or quiet? Will he be bullied or will he be the bully? Will he choose good friends? Will he face pressure? Will he ask questions when he doesn't understand? What things of this fallen world will he learn? Will he be compassionate and befriend the lonely? How will his little innocent eyes be opened? Part of me wants to protect him, keep him home, shelter him and only let Cody and me be his teachers, but then another part of me knows my son will flourish. He is so smart. He has such a pure heart and a little man of integrity already...at the age of five! As my mentor advised me while I was confessing my anxiety to her, all I can do is pray. Pray a hedge of protection around Noah when I'm not with him. Pray for the Spirit to move within Noah to speak up for the hurting, be an advocate for the weak, be a helpmate for his friends and teacher. Pray for peace for this momma's heart as my son learns more about this world and his role in it. Pray Noah knows his calling early and runs after God's heart with such fire that the world around him notices. Pray for God's strength and love to just ooze out of Noah as if it's a part of his very skin. Pray unceasingly. Make grooves in the floor from my knees. And walk in confidence the Lord has good things planned for my son, plans to prosper him and bring him hope and a future. One word: kindergarten. My world is expanding, turning upside down, but I'm expectant to see Noah be a little man of God making his own imprint on this world. I'm anxious to see just what he does.
