#1 question from friends and family since we moved…
Are the kids okay?! Especially, during this first week of school. 
After answering the question for the 30th time, my husband said “I wonder what they expected to happen”. My sentiments exactly.
I thought that everyone would assume that the kids would have the easiest time adjusting to a change like this. My seven year-old was really excited about coming and I think my two year-old thinks we’re on an extended vacation. He would not be surprised if we got on an airplane tomorrow and moved back to our old house – aahh, the joys of childhood.
When we first made this decision, my first concern was “how will the kids adjust”. But, after thinking and researching, not necessarily in that order, I realized that the most important thing for them at this age is stability in the home. Throughout this process, our family unit has stayed in tact and that is making the transition smoother.
I was a little nervous about them starting school, but after the first day meltdowns adjustments were over, they seem to really like it. The school schedule is different than in the states (shorter days) and I think this has helped a lot. When people ask me how they’re dealing with the new language, I tell that it’s too soon to tell. Of course they don’t understand most things right now, but I will be better able to assess their progress after at least three months.
In the meantime, I am enjoying watching their little developments so that one day I’ll say “ I remember when you weren’t fluent in Spanish.” 
Photo credit: Tommickle
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Tags: Children Abroad, Cultural Assimilation, Expat Families, Immigrant Families, Learning a Foreign Language
And, are you okay? After seeing the news, I immediately thought of you and your family– such horrible devastation is difficult for anyone to watch, but I can't imagine what it must be like for someone with strong personal and family ties to Haiti. I truly hope that you and your husband haven't lost any family or friends in Haiti, but even if you haven't, so much more has been lost that I can't even imagine what you must be feeling. Sending lots of hugs, and know that someone in Spain is thinking of you right now.
Thank you for the kind thoughts, Kate. None of my family were hurt, so now we are focused on trying to help others who were not as fortunate. It's all been so surreal to watch that I can no longer watch the news. Too many bodies of young children laying beside the road for me to stomach…