Summer is Over

and life in Israel begins to take shape. Today was the third day at school (the week begins on Sunday here!). The first two days were pretty traumatic for the girls:

Elah (5) was very anxious at her pre-school, tearful and confused the first day, refusing to go on the second day. Today though she skipped to school singing and laughing and kicked us out as soon as we got there.

Maya is finding the whole experience very difficult. In England school has always been a place Maya was happy to be, excelling and finding it easy. On the first day she came home crying saying she couldn't understand anything or do any work, begging to catch the first plane back to London. The second day was slightly better as she only had Maths Science and Sport on the agenda but this morning she refused to go to school since Hebrew was back. This is the most challenging time in her life (everything comes easy to Maya) and this year will no doubt contribute to her personal development. She is happier this evening having made some friends at school and enrolling on several extra curricular activities, including choir (singing is her passion).

It's tough making decisions for your children then see them suffer.

Ben (8) is happy! He has camped out in our (tiny) bedroom and sleeping through the night. He loves everything about being here and doesn't seem to miss his life in London. At school he day-dreams during lessons (so what's new) waiting for break time when he can run around and play.

Last night the mosquitoes attacked for the first time. They won the battle keeping us awake most of the night but I also blame the wild dogs barking. This evening we had to take pre-emptive measures. I am not proud to say that it had to include mosquito hunting (I won't go into detail but it was bloody). We shall see later on who has won the war.