They Marched off in Uniforms

Posted by on Sep 5, 2012 in Carrie, Ecuador, Photo Gallery, Travel, World School | 8 Comments
They Marched off in Uniforms

Every year is different, but somehow the same.  Though I didn’t shed tears, this morning I had that same hole in my gut that I had when I dropped them in nursery school the first day. Are they ready? Will they be okay? Are they scared, nervous, or insecure? My anxiety ramped up a notch when I took my children to kindergarten, and then to middle school. Each year, our children are a little more independent and one step closer to going out on their own.  Adam and Benjamin are off for their first day of school in Ecuador.  As they marched off in their ironed school uniforms, with twenty cents in their pockets for the public bus, their backpacks filled with supplies, lunch and facemasks (in case the volcano blows), displaying confident, yet timid demeanors, I thought, “Oh my goodness, look at my grown-up boys…”

Are they ready? Yes, I think they are. All of our experiences help prepare us for the next. In this case, our travel through South America has been the training for their Ecuadorian school experience. Will they be okay? I am confident that they will. They are decent problem solvers and likeable people. Are they scared, nervous or insecure? Sure, aren’t we all? And most importantly, do they feel loved? Well, I certainly hope so.  Being able to give and receive love is the most important ingredient for growth and development.

In this sabbatical year, it has become ever clear to me that during these two decades of my life, my primary role is mother. My professional endeavors are important too, but at this time, my first priority is to help our children grow into adulthood, having the necessary life skills and values to make them respectful global citizens. I savor these parenting days with gratitude and joy. It really does pass too quickly.

Here is the link to the photo gallery of Baños, Ecuador.This is where we call home until January, 2013.

http://lifeportraitsbycarrie.smugmug.com/Travel/Baños-Ecuador/25188420_JR4sWM#!i=2066448523&k=4qBfx83

8 Comments

  1. Kathe
    September 5, 2012

    As usual you write with such love and inspiration in your message. I do so admire you for your courage and conviction. If I were just starting my family I would model it after yours. I am thankful that the internet allows us to stay connected.

    Reply
    • Carrie
      September 6, 2012

      Thank you Kathe. I do hope we will have some time together on the same continent some time in the near future. As you mentioned earlier, the problem with having global friends is that you never get to see them. We’re always somewhere other than home soil. You have been very inspiring to me. Thank you for all you do in Uganda!!

      Reply
  2. Teresa Collins
    September 5, 2012

    Bawling, happy bawling, but bawling none the less. Beautiful words, beautiful ideas. Go boys, go. I feel there is nothing more important that we can give to society, than supporting, guiding, directing our kids to be loving, global citizens. I hope you are as proud of yourselves as I am of you. Go parents, go.

    Reply
    • Carrie
      September 6, 2012

      Teresa, thank you for your kind words. We are cut out of the same mold. You are such an awesome mom and you are raising your girls beautifully. I look forward to sharing stories with you and hearing yours from Paraguay when we return.

      Reply
  3. Lize
    September 12, 2012

    Dearest friend

    I have told you so many times, but again…. Thank you for being such an inspiration ! The short time I spent with you, Bob and the boys Feb 2011 taught me so much.

    When I dropped Dylan off at hostel in the beginning of the year I had the same thoughts… Will he be ok? Today I’m glad to say that he is happy ans has adapted well, made so many new friends and spending “lost” time with his dad.

    Now it is is still that hole in my gut that remains, and hope I that soon I will be able to accept the fact that I have to let do and that I too will be ok..

    Love you all

    Lize

    Reply
  4. Felex
    September 15, 2012

    Hi Bob and Carrie,

    Great home until Jan. 2013. the landscape is so good and most faces look happy. I hope you like the place. I know you no longer remember me but i got your link from EJ. I am pleased to say Hi again after many years. I am happy for you for such a nice family you have.

    Best regards

    Reply
  5. CArla
    September 26, 2012

    Wow! All your posts have been going to mike’s email and he never shared them with me! I just reveled your last six months of amazing experiences. I am awestruck, envious, proud, and inspired by your courage, creativity, and caring. Keep in touch.
    Mike’s dad was born in Quito in 1935. We have talked about taking a heritage trip to Ecuador with the kids. Won’t make it before Jan. 2013, but we’d love to get the scoop from you. Jordan is taking Spanish II so he’ll be our guide. What beautiful and articulate boys you have. Hope to meet them soon. My sister lives in Greenville, NC now so maybe we can connect during one of our visits. Love to you and Bob !

    Reply
    • Carrie
      September 26, 2012

      Carla, It’s great to hear from you!! (Shame on Mike…okay, forgiven) It will be an awesome experience for your family to travel to Ecuador. Yes, let’s hook up and catch up sometime soon after our return. We have about 13 years to catch up on, huh? Greenville is a bit far from Asheville – come to the mountains for a visit! Love to your family. It really is wonderful to hear from you.

      Reply

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