Another Year of Answered Prayer

Friday was Hannah's last day of school. She now has two years of Italian schooling under her belt. Next year--third grade!

There could not be a more tangible example of how the Lord has answered prayer over the past two years. We prayed and prayed and prayed for Hannah's school experience. For her, for her teachers, for friends. We could not be more grateful for all the ways He has answered abundantly. Hannah's experience is far above and beyond what we could have even dreamt to ask.

We've written before that in Italy you have the same class, and the same two main teachers for all five years of elementary school. It can be a great thing or a horrible thing. For Hannah, it's been incredible. We think her teachers are great. They have done such a good job helping her transition into Italian schooling. They have been gracious with her and they have pushed when needed. And we generally think they are really good teachers.

But an even bigger answer to prayer have been the friends God has provided. Her class is just a great group of kids. Not that they're perfect, but we have heard very little about the cliches and caddiness we've heard about from friends with kids in school in America. We don't think it has anything to do with the fact that they're Italian. . . they're just good kids. There is a group of about seven girls who are all good friends. Every Monday after school we would rotate going over to someone's house to play. What a sweet, sweet gift.

And then there are the parents we've gotten to know. We feel completely welcomed and included. They have demonstrated such patience with us in language and cultural learning. Our sense of feeling like we belong in Bologna and have a life here is largely due to Hannah's school and all the relationships we have there.

Cody and I are blown away by the incredible blessings we've found through our brave daughter walking into a classroom not speaking a word Italian and persevering for two years. She is thriving. She has been the reason we've met our closest Italian friends. She is getting a great education (things change in the Italian system in high school. . .). She knows the ways God has answered prayer on her behalf, and it's grown her own faith.

So we celebrate this day! We celebrate God's continued hand on Hannah. We say thank you for joining us in praying for her. And we say thank you to God for caring so much about such a thing as second grade.