The first of September in Latvia is quite an important day. It is the first day of school, a national holiday known as “the Day of Knowledge.” Schools across the country hold lovely first day celebrations called the “Pirmais Zvāns” or “The First Bell.” The whole family gets dressed up and arrives at the school with flowers for the teachers (I have no idea what the teachers do with 30 huge bouquets of flowers!). The local public school that Anna Kate and now Caroline attend is comprised of 1500 students from 1st through 12th grade. The Pirmais Zvāns ceremony consisted of poetry, choral music, the national anthem, speeches by the directors, and the 12th graders escorting the 1st graders into their very first class. It was quite a cultural experience which we thoroughly enjoyed.

We are so grateful for God’s provision of wonderful teachers and classmates for our girls. Their first few weeks of school have gone so well and they are truly thriving. Here in Latvia, children stay in the same class with the same teacher for 1st through 4th grade. It is our prayer that as our children grow up alongside these children, we can continue to build relationships with their families and share with them the hope that we have in Christ. Here are a few pictures of our girls on their first day of school: