Speech contest

I wasn't sure how she'd do. I tried my best to prepare her. But secretly, I was worried. Very worried.

Today was the speech contest for Hua Hua's chinese school. She was assigned a poem to recite and read. It was 8 lines. It was a tricky one, unlike some of the sing-song ones that she already knew from her videos, and she was having some trouble getting it down. So we practiced. And practiced. And practiced. She memorized it, but would often need help with the first word of the 6th and the 7th line. Without it she would get stuck. And whenever we rehearsed, she was uncharacteristically shy. Didn't want me to look at her when she "performed." yet alone i caught her often reciting it, and I could tell she was excited. Then finally today came - the big day.

My sweet little girl was the third child to go. She followed a 7 and 8 year old - the oldest kids in her class who performed their poems perfectly. Then it was her turn. She went to the stage, faced about 200-250 people, and, unlike the bigger kids, she would not let go of her teacher's hand. Holding on to her teacher for dear life, a look of total fear filled her face, she said her poem in record speed, and yes, she did stumble over the two lines that always tripped her up but she kept going and going.

When finished she said thank you in chinese. She bowed before the judges and audience, and practically ran off the stage, still glued to her teacher. It took all that was in me to not run to her, sweep her up in my arms and smother her with hugs and kisses.

At the end of the day she did not win the trophies for her class. (three trophies went out, two to the kids who proceeded her.) But she, like everyone else in her group, got a medal. It's big, bright, and very special. She beamed. She and rachel and i went out to mcdonald's to celebrate after. Lots of other families from her school showed up there, too. Hua Hua told everyone she met about her medal, and kept it on thru her meal and playing and the car ride home.

I hope she remembers the feeling she has now with her medal, and forgets the fear of standing before the big crowd. Just remembering all this morning, has got me all choked up. Sure love my little trooper.

Comments

[Angel Wang]

I am proud of her!!
Been there with my three kids, I know how hard it was.
How did you help her, Wendy? You don't even speak Chinese. I'm proud of you too.

[Wendy]

thanks, Angel! Hua Hua's teacher has been letting me sit in Hua Hua's class so i can learn chinese, too. Also we try to get everything taught in school on a CD so we can listen to it pronounced correctly. Some of the BoPoMo sounds I simply can not make 100 percent correctly no matter how hard i try. But when Hua Hua hears the CD, she is young enough to do it right. It is very exciting to learn! Wendy

[Laura]

Hi Wendy
I'm just catching up with you and the girls.
Did you decide on kindergarten yet? It really sounds like you are leaning toward your church's school. Perhaps you can enroll Rachel in both for now? And see if you get the scholarship? That could make your decision.

I have realized that sometimes things have a way of working themselves out and we can make ourselves crazy trying to make decisions.

Another thing: your decision doesn't have to be permanent. If Hua Hua goes to the Christian school for a year, and the drive is just way too much, you can switch her to the public school near your house for first grade. She will already probably have friends there. I have moved Tara around in pre-schools, and she always adjusted fairly quickly.

I have also learned that when we need money for something involving our children, we always find a way. Remember, you didn't know if you could find the money for a second adoption, but that didn't stop you, thank God!

Good luck!

Laura

[Jodi]

I got tears in my eyes just reading this!!! Way to go Hua Hua! That is very special.

I didn't have a chance to comment on the kindergarten dilemma yet either and as I read through Laura's comment, I agreed with her (and Trudy's comment too). Either way, the Lord will provide and also, it doesn't have to be permanent.

I know as moms that we tend to get very anxious and emotional about decisions like this (you read my blog, you know how crazy I get :)) but I also know from experience that God has always provided, He is so faithful, and He can be trusted. I know that you already know this.

You have to make the best decision for your family. There are benefits and costs to both options (financially, relationally, etc.) but ultimately it comes down to what is best for you and your child (and it may be different for each child). That's my opinion. I'll be praying for you.