My CEO 435

435 Operation Leaving Jayden (Winona)

The morning sun spills into the living room and laughter fills the space as I walk out into the lung area to the kids already playing. It's become a common sound here, one that warms me and brings a smile to my face even as my mind churns with plans and worries They are up, dressed and ready for their day at school. They go twice a week and are all learning the local language along with being taught in English

This place, this life, has become a haven in ways I didn't expect it's hard to think about leaving, but we have to. I wonder if the kids are more excited about going back to the States than I am right now?

"Good morning. Well, look at you three! All ready for your day. I better get some breakfast on."

"Good morning, Mommy. It's school day, yay! Abby says as she bops about the floor

"You've only been a few times, how are you all liking the little school?"

"Everyone's really nice. I've learned some new words in Flemish and Dutch. Plus, they have the best lunches." Bobby looks very proud of himself.

Sarah had chimed in too. "I made a friend named Elena at school, and we play at lunchtime. It's so fun Oh, I have to go make my bed and tidy my room before go."

I hadn't expected them to fall in love with being here really. Not with the chores and responsibilities they have. I thought they'd be clamoring to go back to our old city life, to familiar faces and places. To the life they once had without so many responsibilities. But they genuinely seem to thrive on it here. The chores system will be going wherever we go.

Once they are all at the table, munching cereal, I ask them a question I've been wondering about

live anywhere, where

Bobby says mid

"Here." Abby agrees.

"Yep, here."

"Really, I was thinking about when we

Great fun trying to get anything even remotely

go back close to where we were, but not right in the city. But still where

so much? You have a lot

stuff. I like our gardens and

435 Operation Leaving Jayden

+25 BONUS

reasons." This kid could sell ice to

like everyone here, but I do miss Nanny Anne and Aunt

"Same." Sarah agrees.

to find ourselves a place to work on, with a little land. Then you can do some school and then at Christmas time, we can make a decision on where we live for

"Okay, Mommy."

the girls, but

think I'd like to come back

get you guys out the door.

can have a direct line to Jayden when he needs it. The girls already have their tablets to talk to their dad. It's

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