As I've probably mentioned, my first 3 1/2 years of schooling happened in Brazil. This is the only school photo I have of that time and it makes me have to guess what grade I am in. Maybe third grade? I remember learning to draw the flag and have always thought it was a pretty flag.
I do kind of remember how I felt about myself as a young girl. Parents did not tell their kids they looked beautiful, for fear that they would become proud. I have to smile at that now . . . messed up bangs, hair quickly pushed behind my ears, not sure how to smile. I look at this picture now and, despite my feelings, would not change a thing. I like that we had to wear a uniform. Never had to deal with deciding what to wear.
Moving to Canada was a big change. In Brazil I had a perfect report card. Coming to Canada, I had to learn how to count and speak all over again. Often times I had no idea who or what kids were talking about. My first teacher looked at my long name and asked about shortening it. I did not go for it. There had to be something that did not have to change. My name stayed and I think that by the end of the year Mr Dobbin probably liked it that way too. He was a good teacher.
I look back at that time of transitions now and realize, as intimidating as it was, it was a good life lesson for me. For it is in knowing discomfort and awkwardness that we learn to understand the discomfort of others. For what I've experienced, I'm thankful. It's a part of who I am . . . still kind of strange, kind of different and sometimes insecure. But I have room to grow. I am not who I was and I am not yet all I hope to be.
15 comments:
Love that photo Anneliese..wouldn't change a thing:) Glad you were insistent on keeping your beautiful name. What was he going to call you?
I love this story Anneliese. Your parents did a good job of raising you. I think there must be some sort of healthy balance between teaching children that they are princesses. .which can't imagine does them any good when they first realize they are not. .and the other extreme of not giving a child any sort of reason to think they are attractive and worthwhile.
I'm glad you did not become Annie. I love your name.
That would be such a cute profile pic. It's wonderful when you can say, I wouldn't change a thing. It's a real boost of confidence for your own little girls growing up all over again.
There is much wisdom in your words. The transition to a strange new country was probably stressful for you as a young girl, but now, many years later, you can see the benefits to your character.......exactly what the Bible says about trials : )
Beautiful Anneliese. Yes transitions are hard especially in learning new languages. I want to be a life long learner.
I'm passing through some of the blogs and thought id stop and say hello. And i hope that you folks have a very nice fall weekend. Richard from the Amish community of Lebanon Pennsylvania.
What a cute picture!! And I love that somehow it managed to stay with you through all your moves and travels. Thanks for posting this! When Lacey is in grade 3 we'll have to compare pictures, something tells me you two have lots in common... :)
Beautiful school photo...and story to go with it! It's good when we can look back...and not wish it had been any different.
That last sentence says so much: "I'm not who I was and I am not yet all I hope to be." A work in progress . . . that's what we are! Cute picture!
Excellent post! Some of us do have stories like that! You're right - it's all a part of who we are and how the Lord has led our lives! Not finished here yet either!
I love that photograph! You look so innocent and just a bit excited. Do you sometimes see that little girl in the mirror, even now? I know I do. Hope I don't sound too fractured by saying this, but sometimes I talk to her...like when I'm in an exciting new situation, I'll say too my little girl self, "Look where we've come could you ever have believed it!"
I love your name. I'm so glad you did not let anyone shorten it.I have such respect for those of you from another country that had to learn a whole new language, a new culture, and all that comes with
moving to Canada.
I'd love to hear about some of the traditions you brought with you from Brazil sometime!
Have a marvelous weekend-Kimberly
My girls are in this situation right now. We moved back to Canada after being in Argentina for ten years. Our girls are adopted and Argentina and Spanish is all they knew. So this September has been a time of new beginnings. I hope one day they will look back as you have and be thankful for journey that God has brought them on.
Leana
Thank you for sharing this part of your life. I too admire those who have left everything familiar to settle in a new country. Although it was not your choice to move, there was one choice you could make - to keep your name.
I for one am so glad you came to Canada - that choice your parents made has given me a good friend.
What a wonderful story Anneliese - I too love your name - so glad it wasn't shortened! I have one of those names too that my mother insisted not be shortened - so glad too. It's so amazing how our lives turn out and how important our attitude is on this journey. You have such a sweet spirit! Thanks for sharing a part of YOUR story!
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