He is all of 13 years old. He insists he is no longer a baby. He is away from us — all the way in China — for 6 weeks.
M2 is on a foreign study program — part of their school’s vision to bring their students into a keener awareness of their roots, appreciation for their ancestors’ mother tongue and culture, and a stronger sense of purpose. It is also a learning experience in more ways than one as these boys, many of whom are pampered with creature comforts at home, have to deal now with
– studying without a tutor;
– overcoming terrible homesickness;
– learning to communicate in the language of their ancestors in order to be understood;
– adjusting to living with other boys their age with different personalities and quirks;
– dealing with groceries, laundry and budgeting on top of coping with a demanding study schedule; and
– basically going through an accelerated “growing up” program.
We heard from him yesterday. He sounded OK, had no major concerns about food, accommodations or his studies. In fact, when he asked to speak to his older brother, we thought it was because he missed him….only to find out that their whole conversation was on the latest goings-on with the wrestling TV show they both loved to watch (he has no TV in his China dorm room). He also told me he had been doing his laundry by hand rather than use the pay-per-cycle washing machine so he could save up for pasalubong.
At the moment, my feelings are mixed. There is a part of me that terribly misses him but another part of me is happy that he is learning to fly using his own wings. A part of me wants to cry upon hearing about his method of scrimping to afford gifts to bring home; but the other part of me says this is a good experience so he will learn the value of money earned.
When our kids grow up, the process is not just an experience for the kids but probably more so for us, their parents, who have long cared and watched over them, and now have to slowly let go. In a sense, we are also “growing up”. The transition from a parent to confidante, adviser and friend is fraught with fear and pain; but when hurdled successfully, it can be very rewarding as a new kind of relationship develops.
Wow, how nice and sweet of your son to save up on his money to be able to buy more pasalubong.
Yes, it takes a lot to help our children grow and learn about life’s lessons. In return, we also learn from them fresh insights and ideas that somehow reflects back on what we have taught them. Such is the way of life.
Hope your M2 would be able to learn a lot from these experiences.
Take care, Jane 🙂
Jane: So true, Julie. We parents also have a lot of learning to do. And yes, it is sweet of M2 to think of us in spite of all he is undergoing there. He will hopefully be a better man for this.
Hi Jane. This is a wonderful opportunity for your son to discover things on his own and learning more about responsibility.
I know you’re going to miss him a lot but I’m sure he’s in great hands. Wishing him well.
BTW, I have an award for you on my blog. Take care!
Jane: Ooooh Rach! I love it, love it, love it! Thank you so much for this award which I can now proudly display on my sidebar. I hope my kids continue to think they have a cool Mom as well. At least their friends think it is cool for them to have a mommy blogger who has as many blogs as they do, hahaha.
Can’t wait till December when M2 comes home…
Blog hop! :B
As they say, “the boy is the father of the man.” Life is a never ending journey and its comforting to know that someone will be always there for you.
Jane: So well said, Bro! God bless…
Hi Jane, my daughter has a friend who was on this trip too. Great learning adventure! Teacher Jopin, was my son’s teacher too 🙂
Jane: Oh that’s great, Cathy. Could she be a mutual friend? Well, they’re halfway through the program now so it won’t be long before we have him back. Ms. Jopin (as we call her) has been a wonderful, wonderful surrogate mother for the boys. I am so blessed she is in our group.