the school saga.

Truth be told, I've been looking forward to the structure and routine that the fall seems to carry in its back pocket. 

The little people walking the sidewalks in meticulous uniforms in the early mornings and afternoon are a sure sign that school is in session again. This year, the Smith kids join them.  And at the end of the day, I get to hear stories of the day's excitement. Like how all the girls chase the boys and how Selma's friends keep buying her treats with their lunch money. 

As part of my routine, I've been waking up earlier to get out the door earlier. I've been making myself coffee...which is huge. I've mastered the art of the three minute hairstyle and perfected the fast-walk pace I need to make it to wherever I'm going on time (because it is just not worth it to battle against the early morning metro). And I've been reminded of how naturally prayer comes while walking my city streets and breathing in the crisp air that never lasts long into the day. 

I'm thankful for a team that values both language and cultural fluency and have so excitedly returned to language school. It's only two short mornings a week, but it's just the workout my fuzzy Spanish brain needed and I've already had a handful of especially meaningful conversations with teachers and fellow students. 

(and speaking of classes...here are few pictures from the english camp this summer)