German American Exchange Program

Back when we were in high school, Katrin and I participated

in a German-American Exchange Program. 

She came to stay with me and my family in Grand Rapids

 and I went to visit her and her family in Hamburg.

Fourteen years later,

I am living in Marburg with Najeeb and Rana,

and Katrin is living in Urbana, IL

with her husband, Daniel, and their two sons.  

It was great to see them last week

(minus Baby Julius, who stayed with his grandparents).

Rana and Anton (2 and a half) were fast friends.

I'm so glad we've remained friends over the years and find it hard 

to believe that it has been fourteen years since our initial exchange!

Rana is 3 Years & 3 Months Old!

Silly, silly, silly!

Rana's First Day of Kindergarten

Rana started Kindergarten today and loves it! She painted and played with babies in strollers, legos, and musical intruments before going outside in the morning. Then she had lunch with her group, listened to a book at storytime, colored, and headed back outside for the afternoon.

There are kids of all ages in her group (3 to 5+) and there were two other new little girls there for the first time today. Rana's teachers, Cordula (who is in the background of the picture above) and Heike, are very nice. An intern named Jonas will be working in their group for the year, too.

Rana seems to be transitioning pretty well. She was a little hesitant in the morning and came back to check in with me from time to time, but she grew more and more confident as the day went on. I stayed in the building today, sneaking away for about an hour and half at one point, and I plan to leave her on her own for a while tomorrow. Rana was sad to leave the Kindergarten today, so I am hoping it doesn't take her more than a few days to transition completely.