Homeschooling!

That's a perfect title for this post! Last week, my kids only went to school for a day, the rest of the week Fairfax County schools were closed! Since we moved, my kids hardly go to the school. Some days I see no reason for schools to be closed, but by night we receive an email from the county, and there we go again! My daughter has no complain though! She almost prays for snow every night these days! On the other hand, not only I am home with them I also have to keep up with her snow day assignments!!!! The problem is, I hardly understand the math problems, sometimes I start studying in the morning! So when we sit together, if she asks me a question I can have the right answer for her!!! Even my four years old now know when the schools are going to be closed. He basically takes a peek from his window in the morning, if he sees snow he claps his hands with an excitement and yells 'hey, no school today!'. Funny enough, when I go to grocery shopping, I see moms dragging their kids with them, and from kids' face I can easily tell they are not having fun either! Hoping this crazy weather, with a degree of no more than '-4C' almost everyday will be out of the door soon!

Have you ever feel stuck!

I always knew that I am not a creative person. I do not have inner voice that brings up ideas or exiting concepts, it is just not happening. And again I proved it to myself last few weeks! As you may already know, or learning now, I am in the middle of creating life coaching practise hence developing a website. Of course to be in the business I have to have a business name, but I am stuck! So much reading is no help, it has to come naturally but nope not happening so soon! I never expect to become a Van Gogh all of sudden, but having genuine creativity, just a little one, would not hurt! I have pretty much wrote and erased 100 + ideas on my PC. It got worse when I asked our brothers and their significant others' at the table during our Sunday brunch! All of a sudden they all became one heck of a hidden talent! But how can you own somebody else's idea, right? Or is this a way too noble of thinking in today's world? Just look around, do not we all inspired by each other?

"Security email"

This morning while I was going through my emails I saw the "security email" from US Embassy in Kenya. That reminded me I should take our names from their list, anyway. I could not help myself reading the email, let's call it an old habit! These emails meant so much to me, not long ago, only 3 months back...That made me think again how quickly a life can change for better or worse, and in some cases we cannot control it...Per the email, security has increased and there is a significant threat in Kenya for expats or western community. I thought about friends in Nairobi, how we used to worry about these threats, it almost consumed us all day. It was the only talking point when we saw each other at the school. Of course you never hear good things from people, bad news is the first one to spread too quickly! No matter what we talked about, life always went on, we did what we needed to do. And I know no matter how concerned they are, they have to go on with their lives in there. Whenever I see streets of Nairobi on TV or hear news about Kenya, I instantly stop what I am doing and pay my full attention whatever the subject is. I feel strongly attach to that country, and I do not think it will ever change. Because our three years in Kenya touched and left lots of marks in our lives, the and the bad...

Raising bilingual children

Raising bilingual children is a very hard thing to do, not only it needs patience, more importantly it needs consistency. I have seen many kids basically refuse to learn or struggle between two languages in some cases three languages.

I heard, in some schools, they are teaching children 2 or more languages, is not it kind a too aggressive? It is one thing to grow in a bilingual environment (patents are native speaker of another language other than residing country), but teaching them one too many languages at school, not sure. Besides learning another language takes a lot of practise and needs a natural environment, otherwise it just gets limited within the school and eventually forgotten. My daughter was learning French in Kenya, now Spanish! That would be great if she can have basic language skills, but if not, it is also fine.

I have seen kids whom could not even speak one language for years properly, put aside two languages, poor children because of their parents inconsistency they just get confused! Eventually once they get a hold off one, they totally ignore the second one, there goes all the efforts!

Through my observations, some cultures are very good at raising bilingual children, like Chinese or Indians. Both are very attach to their language, their nativity, cultures, religion and they feel proud. I do envy that. Unfortunately in my culture it is the other way around! I totally believe it is about being happy and proud with your nationality and in your own skin...

When I was young, it was so important to speak English that people would not care if you speak your native language or not. Unfortunately it is still the same case for some.  They just would not care...Me? You probably know the answer by now:) it is very important for me that both of my children speak their mother tongue clear and clean. As a parent I would feel very much disappointed if my kids would not speak Turkish. It does not matter if we would live here all our lives or not.  I strongly believe language what makes you different from other people, you are not only learning a language you are also learning traditions and culture...

Well, let me tell you, it is one tough job and getting harder when the kids grow up. I think the key is make them love the language and have them understand the importance of it. That's what I am doing so far and it is working fine with little of bumps on the road, especially with my almost 9 yrs old! It comes with the package:) Who could blame them? From children's perspective it is not an easy job and most cases boring and meaningless...

As parents' we dream so much for our kids that we forget the big picture, most of the time, they actual are our dreams...It is important to make sure that our expectations are reasonable within limits of ours and our children's.

Freezing cold in east coast!

So this is how it feels to live in -20 C! Either I am getting old and cannot remember clearly anymore or the climate in DC area drastically has changed! I wonder if there are still people do not believe weather shifts and climate changes!

Since we have arrived, the temperature is below 0 with few exceptions! Unfortunately that affect quality of life so much! As a person who always like outdoor sports and do it no matter what (I used to run even in unsafe areas in Nairobi!), I just cannot do it. This morning I had an attempt to run outside, but my body just did not like the idea! I just could not warm up, head to toe I felt the cold shivers and barely could not feel my toes!

Our parents are joking with us when we tell them how cold it is in here, and first question they ask is if we missed Kenya! Well from a climate perspective I am not going to lie, that was the so far most pleasant weather we lived in. But you cannot make your living decision based on the climate right, or can you?

When I left our garage this morning, I checked the temperature in the car, and it was showing 4 C, and I thought this is not bad, I can live with this. Once I opened the garage door and started driving, in less than 5 seconds it showed -15C! I froze just froze and stared at it without a glimpse! Coming back to quality of life, there is no doubt weather does affect it. Malls, indoor shopping centers and movie theatres are packed with people, there are no people outside! This morning our neighbor took their dogs outside, poor animals just run inside right away, like they saw a ghost, no kidding! Roads look like a deserted places, all cars are parked outside, very quite and calm.

So people who have no place to go, my thoughts and prays are with them. I read there are many government run shelters, and some parts of the city warm food service is being provided, and people are taken to shelters.

Stay warm and safe...

XOXO

Thoughts on public education in Fairfax, VA

No matter where you live, if you have children or even plan to have children, choosing a school becomes centre of life! That's true! When we bought our house, we heard so much from our friends about private vs. public schools, after school activities, weekend activities and academic curriculum in this area. With much of a resistance, slowly I turned one of those people, who talks about schools! It comes with the package, no denial here!

After living in three continents and three countries I came to a conclusion, there is not one rule but many. And that change where you live, what your expectations are, financial situations and the environment. As parents our priority is always our children's safety and well being. So when we were  living in Kenya we had no choice but private education and that's what we did. Same case when we were living in Turkey, we could not send our daughter to public school even though me and my husband always believe in public education.

After my husband got a job offer, we again decided to move:) but this time to U.S. With a relief, I knew this time it would be much easier, and finally we send our children to public schools. There, I started researching and reading parents comments and experiences for public education in VA and finally we were able to do what we believe is right as a parent.

First thing first, through Fairfax County Public School boundary locator www.boundary.fcps.edu , I was able to find which public school we were assigned based on our zip code. Through www.grateschools.org I was able to read and learn about our new school. I was very surprised to see all the information (ratings for cleanliness to safety to parent involvement to academic performance) was made public. It may be normal for some, but for me it was a delightful surprise:). After contacting school via email, school administration send us few forms and asked us to go to FCPS Center once we arrive to US. Due to growing up in a bilingual family and coming from non US education system she was required to get tests mainly on her language skills. After we arrived we took our daughter to the center and got her tests and there she was accepted right away. School was very welcoming, administration was so informative that I could not even compare our experiences last few years. It was always a hurdle to get information from school! I had to be always on top of the school and teacher to make sure everything was going well! Finally, registering our daughter into a school was an uneventful experience, exactly the way it was supposed to be...

When I went to drop off her paperwork, I was very impressed with what I saw. From class sizes, to big library to lunch menu to gym to music rooms and auditorium I just could not believe, and this is a public school! (Again, there is a comparison I just cannot help myself!) Probably people who were born and raised in here would not surprised as much as I am. But I do appreciate all the opportunities kids have in public education system. It is a luxury for majority people in the world...

I had a chance to walk around the classrooms while the children were in their class. I was utterly shocked when I saw kids sitting on the floor reading their books, while some were discussing their items with their teacher, some were even having their snack on their table while they were reading their book. It made me think my days in school, and how bored I felt, sometimes was afraid of my teacher, some days I was not even brave enough to lift my hand to speak...

Her new classmates were very welcoming, they all made her a welcome cards, and thanks to living in different countries and cultures my daughter was also became a very adaptive child. Day one she did not feel like an outsider...

It is a choice to make but a very important one. Due your diligent work, it is definitely worth your time. Education is a lifetime investment, it is not only academic decision there is also social aspect of it.

Cost of Living in Nairobi-schools, housing, food and etc.

For most of us, cost of living is one big question.

Before we moved here, compared with other western countries, I pictured Nairobi to be a very reasonably priced city (ok I am going to be honest, I thought the 'Cost of Living in Nairobi' would be cheap!), in terms of housing, food, schools, transportation and so on. To my surprise, this was not the case. Here are some facts:

Housing: The first shock I got was when we were looking for a house. If you want to get a house, either a standalone or one in a gated compound, be prepared. The price can be close to the prices in Europe. Probably, some of you will say I am either exaggerating or do not know what I am talking about. In Nairobi, there are specific areas for foreigners/expats. If you are not so adventurous you have got to live one of these expat areas, such as Karen, Runda, Gigiri, Muthaiga, Rosslyn, and maybe Wetlands or Kileleshwa. Since these areas have made names for themselves, and they are so-called 'safe and secure’ (do not trust this too much!), prices have gone up unreasonably. We all come from different backgrounds and have different expectations, but if you come from a place where you had a decent life, you expect a certain level of comfort. If you are single or a couple, you can still live one of these apartments, or maybe in other areas, but that is not possible if you have kids. You want to give them safety, security, space and freedom, as much as you can.  In order to get a nice and secure house, you’ve got to spend a good amount of money. Even though you are paying lots (or if you are lucky, your company is paying for it), do not expect much because of the poor quality of construction. By the time you are done with repairs, it will probably be the time for you to move!! And if you want to have a generator and extra water tank (after living here for over a year now, those are a MUST), you have to pay for them from your pocket (some companies cover it, some do not). But trust me-- with so many power and water cuts, you have to have them! Most companies have an upper limit for housing, and in some cases, it is only enough for an apartment....

Electronics, food and etc.: Here is another shocker-- the cost of food, housing products, electronics, and appliances. Most products that we are accustomed to using are imported, and they are highly taxed. Even though you can find them, they are not of good quality (I personally experienced this firsthand). So, I definitely recommend that you bring as much of your stuff as possible, anything you can think of. 


Schools: I hope your company pays for 100% of this, it is a huge burden because international schools are expensive!  The average cost is 12K to 18K (in US Dollars) per year (remember where are in Africa). This can go up or down depending on your kid’s age, but expect something around it. So here is a good reason for you or your husband to negotiate with the company. I have some friends whose company does not pay school fees, and some companies have a limit. 

Transportation: I have never used public transportation; it is mostly used only by locals who cannot afford to buy a car.  As far as I know, there is no government run transportation system. It runs privately. Per my conversation with local people, fees change all the time. There are no government regulations. Buying a car can also be very expensive. Since all cars are imported, they are heavily taxed. What you pay is mostly tax. Generally, expats buy 4x4s, which makes sense because road conditions are very messy...but as a small size car driver, I am so far very happy. I can fit anywhere I want, and it did not cost as much as a 4x4!

Cost of domestic help: Ok, I have good news! Compared with other countries in Europe, the US, and my home country Turkey, domestic help is very cheap. Surely paying more than average is your choice (which still is very little, when you think of what you pay for imported products!). I remember my days in the US when I only had one lady who came once a week and how much I was paying her and she was not doing much...When I compare it with the USA and Kenya, I guess my home country, Turkey, is somewhere in the middle.  In Kenya, we had lots of help from wonderful local people, which I appreciate. I have two ladies who have worked for us since we moved here.  What would I do without them...just think of washing the dishes all the time...


In the end, every country has its own dynamics. There are pros and cons. It is up to us to make use of what we have and adjust. 

Exciting developments

Since I became a life coach I wanted to have a website. Having a website is part of the job and todays' world without using social media and internet you are down to zero. I had one attempt last year but did not go well as I planned! I had this company from India which dragged the job on and on, never got it done! We were living in Kenya and I accepted situation and put a hold to my plans. So without marketing myself much, as a start I had good amount of clients last two years, sure enough having a website is great tool to reach people and eventually to potential clients.

Right after we moved back to U.S. I did not waste anytime, started interviewing web developers. As of last week I signed the contract and hired a professional web developer, if all goes well my website will be up and running. Soon my platform will change but will be continuing with my blog. However, I will no longer use BlogSpot, my blogs will be posted on my website. Is not that something? I am very much exited and looking forward to it.

Since yesterday I have been searching for website names, going over hundreds of samples and ideas, hoping to finalize it soon. It is not an easy job though, if you have any ideas feel free to drop me a message or email, my email address is nairobibloggerzv@gmail.com .

On the other hand I am planning to take writing classes, there is so much material out there, just do not know where to start, but I am loving it:)

My daughter started her new school

When my daughter started school in here a month ago, as a mother, I had some concerns. She went to an international school in Kenya that taught British curriculum, and I was not very happy with the quality of education she was getting. Unfortunately while we were living there she had to change two schools in three yers so we decided to keep her in her second school even though we were not satisfied. Let me mention, I am not one of those parents' whom are very ambitious, taking their kids from one class to another, but at the same time as a parent I wanted her to get a decent education where she would not feel behind once she attends another school in another country.

Once she started her new school in US, I noticed there is a difference between US education and private (British curriculum) education in Kenya. The problem was not the content, it was actually how that content is being presented to the children. Once she started bringing her homework, I saw she was having difficulty with the math problems, because she was not used to problem solving side of it, she was only doing calculations such as multiplications, divisions and etc in her old school. At time she felt like she could not handle these, they were too hard for her, and eventually she said she misses her old school, which was totally understandable. So, I decided to sit with her to assist her and encourage her everyway I can.

Other thing, literacy was totally different as well. She was used to do spelling all the time, she had spelling tests every other week in her old school, but here they do not do much spelling, there are lots of in class self-readings, writing and presentation. She used to bring a book every day, but was not doing anything else much. However, now she picks a book with her teacher's approval and do lots of self readings and discoveries. First time ever, last night, she wanted to read her book before she goes to bed, and as a mother I was very delighted to her that:)