First Day of School!

What a day!! Elena's first day at school as an eighth grader!!

Since August, Elena has had a wonderful homebound teacher who has been her cheerleader and instructor. Mrs. Jennifer has been with Elena every week.  From the hospital to the Ronald McDonald House and home. She has worked so hard to make sure Elena learned all the necessary information she would need in order to complete eighth grade and be able to go on to high school well prepared. Mrs. Jennifer has been an amazing blessing in all of this craziness!

Today was the 155th day at school for everyone else. Last night, as Elena was getting ready for today, it was just like getting ready for the first day of school. Picking out her clothes, gathering her school supplies, packing her backpack and all that butterflies that go along with it.

This morning, she was extremely excited and a little nervous.

During the day, we were so very fortunate to have one of Elena's teachers send us updates.  It was comforting to know that she was taking such great care of Elena and making sure her day was as smooth and happy as possible.

Here's the first glimpse of Elena's day: "Elena came to my room first this morning and I walked her up to homeroom. She looked so cute and had a big smile on her face. I could tell she was a little nervous and she said that she was. I went back up to homeroom once she settled in a bit and she seemed better with her friends around her."

Later that morning: "She is still doing okay. She did come down to my room after first period (due to the CRCT test next week, the schedule is a little different this week) She looked like she was about to cry :( I finally got out of her that she was confused about the schedule, so we worked it out and I walked with her up to her next class. In class, she was given a review packet to get started on. She had a very overwhelmed look on her face, so I brought her back down with me and we just talked for awhile before going up to her next class. I think that made her feel better. She told me all about your beach trip and your pizza and movie nights :) Her teacher was waiting at the door for us when we went back up and she helped Elena get settled in class. She is going to sit with her friends at lunch, they already planned it."

Elena told this teacher that she was glad she had her to come to. We are too!! We are so very grateful to her for giving us updates today! She is another huge blessing in our lives!

Seeing all of her friends was definitly the best part of her day! Everyone was so very welcoming, kind, and just as excited to she her as she was to see them!  She really likes all of her teachers and says she wants to go all day again tomorrow!!

I can't stop smiling when thinking about this day and the fact that Elena has made it to this day! Tears flow thinking about God's provision, grace, and blessings that He has showered upon out family in this storm.

Thank you for reading, for praying, and for loving us so!

In Him,
The Tates

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10