I’ve talked before about the challenges and joys of parenthood. I’ve dreamed of a world where moms would be able to wake up on their own, without being suddenly poked by cold little fingers letting her know they’re hungry/scared/thirsty or simply wanting to go outside and play, despite the side table clock showing it’s not even 6 am…
I’ve talked about being a traveler, an expat and an around-the-clock working mom; being a cleaner/chauffeur/house fairy… all in one, and trying to perform my best. Let’s not forget the additional task: trying to be the hauling supportive foreign service spouse, cheering for my husbands accomplishments and hiding ‘little household lows’ (like a broken lamp), in order to keep the peace. Yeah, we are also peacekeepers, at any cost. I’ve talked about it all over here, shared and received advice from other readers/parents/expats, and I’m deeply grateful for such an incredible experience.
One thing I’ve never experienced was the opportunity to closely work with my kids school. Always, because I lacked time to volunteer. Had helped before, when we lived in Mozambique and Brazil, but my working schedule really forbid me from being more active. This time, in La Paz, Bolivia, I’m living a different story. I’ve got more time, not working outside the house, so, I can now indulge and offer my kids the support and presence I’ve been ‘semi-denying’ them for the past years (there has to be one advantage of being a ‘non-working mom’, right? 😮 )
This is the first time my kids are enrolled in a American School, so, I’m volunteering the school PTA, I’m a ‘classroom parent’, helping extra-curricular activities, you name it. Despite being a bit overwhelming, I’m enjoying (I’m also a workaholic, so, I get my ‘highs’ from being overworked!). This past week, I volunteered to be a chaperone for a school field trip. My oldest child is a first grader, and the school took the whole elementary branch to a morning at a local movie theater. What a fantastic experience! Super excited kids telling me stories (some purely made-up, like flying in rocket ships or turning into fairies/wizards during their spare time!)
Today, after school, when checking my son’s backpack, I realized why we, parents, try to do these little good things, being more involved, committed: there were two handmade cards, with his daily homework. One from my son, and the other one, from my ‘chaperoning team’. And those cards made me understand a bit more about the meaning of being a (school) parent – the child’s true appreciation:
This other one, from ‘my team’. Names carefully preserved, for obvious reasons. Keep in mind we went to watch a movie (Madagascar 3), riding the bus… 😮
And the second one, from my son. BTW, the “moma”, I believe, refers to me…
I was so touched, so happy, and grateful for learning that, despite all the difficulties one endures as a mom/dad, our kids do appreciate us.
They “aprishyat” all the “staf” we do for them. And above all, they love us. They do love us very “mutch”… 😮
Thanks for letting ME be part of YOUR LIFE! ♥
3rdculturechildren 
Priceless! ~ Kat
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Absolutely! Thanks Kat, for stopping by and checking the post out! 😮
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I just started exploring your blog and will share with my son, who will find your bilingual posts of interest as well as some of your posts regarding life in the foreign service — American U is one of our upcoming college visits after the first of the year, and he has a knack for learning foreign languages. Thanks for taking an interest in my blog, as well! ~ Kat
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Thank you very much, Kat. i’m really glad to know that our travelblog about our life with the foreign service may become an useful tool for your son, for his career, and to help with his language skills. I started doing the bilingual post when we were posted in Brazil – also because Portuguese is my first language, and in doing so, we’d increase the reach, getting more feedback to our shared impressions. And that happened: we were very pleased to learn about the positive impact our (bilingual) posts were bringing. Now, that we’re assigned to La Paz, Bolivia, the bilingual posts are coming out in Spanish, the country’s main language. It’s been a great journey, and I’m happy to reach out and help others. Kind regards from our traveling family, and much success to your son, Raquel.
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Thats so precious and I love the way your son has worked out the spellings!
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Thank you very much, Gilly! I was so moved with their cards, and with the ‘naïve’ mistakes… my son and his classmates have been working hard on their spellings, and it’s just great to see the progress – but more than academic progress, their good heart says it all! Thanks for stopping by! 😮
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It’s cool that your schedule it allowing you to get a chance to be more involved with your children’s education. Continue to enjoy it.
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I couldn’t agree more! It’s definitely a great opportunity, something I could never really appreciate before experiencing it… and, I’m enjoying every minute of it (despite the tiredness!!) I do appreciate you taking the time to check the blogpost out and share your thoughts! 😮
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My pleasure.
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😮
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