The World at 8

For those of you with more than one child, you know that you don't really have favorites. Somehow you are give capacity to love each one fully and completely. It can't be explained - it just is reality. Yet, there are times it seems when your heart really goes out to one of your kids because you recognize that he might be having a particularly difficult go of things. Such is the case this week with our youngest - Konner.

For those of you who know Konner, you know he is a great kid. He has a unique personality that endears people to him. He is not outspoken, generally. Most consider him shy, but he really can be talkative. He is slow to allow people into his 'circle of friends' as we call it, but if you are in, you are in. Loyalty is and will be a strength of his. Right now, though, it is causing him difficulty in connecting with new people in his life.

Konner started school this week. He bravely woke up early Tuesday morning, put on his school uniform and got ready to go. I took him up to his new class and he bravely walked in, sat down, and began his day. I, of course, couldn't stay, but I knew it would be a hard day and week for him. Konner misses his friends in Colorado - and he hasn't figured out just yet that he can make new friends while still honoring the friendships he has forged over his 8 years.

Konner's circle of friends in Colorado is tight, and they are loyal to each other. Melia and I have commented several times about the unique group that Konner has run with. Ely, Tristan and Emilio, Marcos and others have been Konner's loyal friends not just for one school year as is often the case in elementary school, but since he started Pioneer elementary school in Lafayette. He misses them fiercely and is reluctant to move forward. It's hard as a parent, because we know all too well the struggle of being a little kid in a new environment. In Britian, it might be particularly hard, because even though it is a new school year, they choose to keep classes together here throughout their primary years. So, the class that Konner has joined has been together since what we consider preschool. That's a challenge for the new American kid.

Moving is hard. Especially on kids. As much as we have tried to make this move smooth for our boys, the hard work still remains. A new school. New faces and names to learn. New risks to take. Ultimately, it is a good thing that will make us all stronger, but the effort remains. Forgive me, but I'd rather my 8 year old not have to make that effort just yet.

I was laying in bed with Konner the other night and asked him what he wanted to do this weekend for fun. Last weekend we went to Stonehenge. The beach, maybe this weekend? A castle or some old fort from hundreds of years ago? No - he wanted only to go to Colorado.

He is a brave young boy. Every day he has gotten up without complaint, put on that uniform, and headed off to school to meet the challenges head on. I am so proud of him. I wish I could make it easier for him, but mostly what I can do is honor his courage, acknowledge the struggle, and love him for who he is. Not a shy kid, but a great kid who will bless someone here with a great friendship.

I'm glad I'm in his inner circle - it's not easy to get into.

In my work, I come across the stories of other 8 year old boys in the world who face much greater fears. Child soldiers, traffikking, slavery - they're all out there in this ugly world. But right now, my heart is for Konner, who faces everyday the real fear of being foreign in a new place. Sometimes, life is an adventure. Other times, you just want to be home.

If you read this, say a prayer for Konner, who we affectionately call 'Kon'. He'd appreciate it, and so would I. If you want to drop him a line, his email is konnerdaniel@gmail.com. If your name happens to be Ely, Tristan, Emilio, Noah, Marcos, CJ, or any other 3rd grader at Pioneer Elementary School, I know he would love to hear from you.

-Konner's dad

On a different note - some of you have inquired about photos. I promise, they are coming soon.