The New Uniform

by Amy

Savannah's kindergarten has uniforms that the kids should wear every Monday. When I asked why only on Monday, I was told that, "Mondays are very special days in our country.... That's the day the flag is raised." "Ooohhhh," I exclaimed in an understanding sort of way. Well last Friday when I went to go pick Savannah up from school, her teacher told me that her uniform would be in that afternoon and she could change into it on Monday morning before class began. Then she informed me that Savannah was selected to be one of the all-important "flag-raisers" and needed to practice saying a particular phrase loudly. She had Savannah say it for me, then we headed home. Well, by the time we got to the gate of the school, we had both forgotten her special sentence, so there was no practicing over the weekend....

On Monday morning we arrived at the school 20 min. earlier than normal so we'd have plenty of time to get her dressed and practice her special line. (FYI~ That means I walked -pushing the stroller with all three kids in it - 20 minutes to arrive at her school by 8:10 AM ~ shocking, I know!) After getting Savannah dressed and settled, the boys and I waited for the special ceremony, camera in hand.

When we got outside, Savannah and her friend (she has two girls that she often talks about at home. This was one of those two) were given special sashes. It reminded me a little bit of a beauty pageant. :) Then, they stood on either side of the flag pole and waited for all the kids to come outside. They must have posed for a trillion pictures for her teacher.

Then, finally the time came for Savannah to say her special sentence, loudly, into the microphone. I still don't know what she was supposed to say, but I assume what she said was OK -- it was loud, about as long as what the other little girl said, and no one laughed when she finished -- all good signs, I thought.

Then, Savannah's job was the all important flag-thrower.... They played some special music, and at the climax of the music she was supposed to throw the flag while the other girl pulled the rope to send it soaring in the air.... Well, Savannah threw the flag at the right time, but it landed on the ground and gasping was heard all around. The teacher quickly pulled the rope to get the flag off the floor as a few brave kids let their chuckes out. Soon, the flag was flying high overhead! Then, a few of Savannah's classmates marched out in front and did a song/chant with hand-motions. It was cute.

I'm continually thankful for how well Savannah is adapting to our new country. She's enjoying school, making a few friends and beginning to pick up the language. On Monday afternoon, after the flag raising, my house helper cooked mac'n cheese for lunch ~ a favorite in our home! When Savannah came to the table, knowing it was my helper's first time to make this dish, said, in our new language, "Great job, Auntie, We love you!" I had never said that particular phrase for "good job" so I was impressed and my helper was delighted!