Nolan has been talking a lot about returning home and going to school. He’s always been a thinker, he has thoughts and ideas and he expresses them unlike most 5-year olds.

In the last few weeks, he’s been talking a lot about school. He’s repeatedly said, “I don’t want to go to school …”

At first I didn’t really know what to say or how to handle such a clear, direct statement. We kept talking about school and asking him, but “why” don’t you want to go to school. Jim and I both talked about making friends and learning new things. We thought for sure Nolan would be excited about school as soon as he realized school is also where he would build friendships.

Then one day, the truth came out …

I’m paraphrasing, but Nolan basically said, “If I got to school, I won’t be able to spend time with you and Daddy.”

During out trip, we’ve lived by a schedule and routine. Not only have had had “Family Days”, but Nolan’s routine includes a “Mommy Day” and an “Daddy Day.”

Jim and I have talked a lot about our return to the USA. Even though we will return to the schedule and routines of our American life, we must find a way to keep the simplicity of our trip around the world.