First Day of Middle School!

New school year, new hair cut!

I read another mom's letter to their child as part of their school year tradition and I thought it was a great idea so I wrote one for Joy.

Dear Joy Lin!

Tomorrow is a BIG day. Your first day of 5th GRADE!!

It's so hard to believe that you are 10 and a MIDDLE SCHOOLER. We remember the first day of kindergarten, when you smiled and went off on the bus to a new adventure, without a look back! Did you know that I followed you to school that day? I don't remember if I told you. But I just had to make sure you got there ok! You knew what you were doing, you always did!

Now tomorrow you get your own locker. With a locker combination and you get a CHOICE of lunch ! Your running with the big guys now.

I know you aren't in the same class as your BFF this year. That's ok. You will see her and Emma. This is an opportunity to make some new friends to go with your old ones. 

The most important thing for you to do is be yourself!! From the time your feet touch the ground in the USA you have charmed everyone with your laugh and your smile and your willingness to talk to ANYONE. Don't let go of that now that you are getting  older, Be yourself and people will want to be with you!

I think that God puts people in our lives as gifts to us. The children in your class this year, your new teacher, they are all God’s gifts to you.

Just remember to treat everyone as if they are a gift from God and they will see that you are one of His greatest gifts too. We always said God sent you to us for a reason. That reason was that He knew we needed your uniqueness- the thing that makes you YOU. Your Joy. 

So Be Yourself. Be kind. Be brave and enjoy your new friends.

We love you more than anything else in this world.