School Supplies.

Jonah and I went school shopping Friday evening.

We spent $72.  Just for the things on the list.

I thought everyone had a right to free and public education? 

It's different here than in Pennsylvania, where I grew up: in PA you actually COULD go through school "for free".  The school provided a pencil every nine weeks.  Paper was readily available in every room - and with those two things you could make your way through the education system.  Granted, most kids bought their own pencils and folders and notebooks - but you COULD do school without purchasing anything. 

Regardless, that's what we spent for all of the "required" items.

Jonah has started to get nervous:

What if I don't finish my work in time?

What if I need to come home?

He has a ton of "what ifs".  I can't blame him.  It's a totally new experience.  I'm working on being supportive of him no matter what.  It's hard for a person who is a neurotic planner (me).  I like to know what's going to happen and when and how everything will go down.  This is something where I need to remain supportive and I have no idea what the outcome of this will be. 

Michael and I are working together to re-program our brains to the thinking we believe in instead of the thinking we were taught as children.  We're looking at school as just another tool... another choice - like swim team or tae kwon do lessons.  It's tough to do as a kid who went through K - 12 as a public school kid. 

Prayers still appreciated. 

I'm feeling a little better now, about everything.  Still hoping (I admit it) that Jonah will choose to come back home - but prepared for whatever he needs.