Over the past several weeks we have noticed such wonderful progress in Noah's school work.  If you had asked us a month ago if we would consider having Noah repeat first grade next school year we would have definitely leaned toward yes.  Now I am confident he is moving in the direction he needs to go to go on to second grade next fall.  I have to put all the credit in the hands of Mrs. Smith, his teacher and 5 amazing fifth grade mentor/tutors who have guided Noah over the past 4 months.

When I traveled to Ethiopia I brought my friend Cindy with me while Jeff stayed home with the other 4 kids.  Cindy  teaches 5th grade at the school Noah attends.   When we arrived back in the states it was apparent Noah was ready to start school.  He landed in America on September 26 and was in school by October 6.        In the back of Cindy's mind she had been coming up with a possible plan with her  5th grade students to engage them in Noah's story.  It could be a learning experience all the way around.  She discussed a plan with Noah's 1st grade teacher of perhaps having some of the 5th grade students come over at set times during the day to work one-on -one with Noah.  They created a schedule that would work with both classrooms.  Cindy then asked her kids how many would be interested in being a mentor/tutor for Noah.  Out of a class  of 25 students 22 raised their hands.  The final five tutors were selected through an application process and a contract was signed by both student and parent.  Everyone understood the importance of this opportunity.

Almost 4 months have gone by since this began and I cannot begin to tell you the leaps and bounds Noah  has made because of these 5 kids.  He not only is learning academics, but he is also learning social skills and just how to communicate and be an American kid.   He has also taught these kids a lesson or two on taking what life gives  you and making the best of it.  They know he came to our family with nothing but the clothes on his back.  They know of his hardships.  They have learned that succeeding is not about dwelling on the past but dealing with what is here and now.  Noah's story has also come home to the dinner tables of the students helping and it has made a difference in their families life as well.  I have spoken with a couple of parents of the 5th graders and they have said the experience has been invaluable for their child.    Last week we were at a basketball game for my son Nick and one of the parents came up and introduced himself to Noah and I.  He said this experience has changed his sons life.  

Our local paper is doing a story about this amazing group of 5th graders.  Two weeks ago a photographer and reporter spent several hours with Noah and the kids.  Their story will be featured within the next week.  

Through these wonderful kids Noah has learned how to count to 100 by 1's, 5's, and 10's, read books, socially interact, write stories, create story boards... to succeed in school.  They are doing this not for the recognition, accolades, or grade but for the chance to say, "I made a difference in someones life."  As an outside observer, and Noah's mom, I have to agree.  They have made a big difference in Noah's life.