Our Welcome

We have received a fabulous welcome from the school and the town. The town of Barrhead is the centre for a population of around 10,000 people (I think) - less than half of whom live in the town itself. The school services a wider farming community with many students bussing in from nearby farms. Being at the school puts us at the heart of the community.

We've slipped into the life of our exchange partners very happily. Family of four replaces family of four. Children of similiar ages. Symmetrical.

The school community has made us feel right at home - which is a fair effort given the distances and differences. We are pleased not to be in a city.

We've been on the receiving end of many generous invitations and have gladly followed the advice of all previous exchangees that we have met by saying 'YES' to everything. Repaying all the generosity is a challenge that we look forward to.

At the end of the first week of school, I left via the front of the school and looked up to see my name in lights. Felt good. Warming. That night we were off to watch the ladies Bonspiel - a Curling competition - and I took Jack, Amanda and George on a small detour past the school. A nice thrill. We hopped out and took some snaps.

I like the way the snow sits on top of the sign. There's a small deposit of snow on top of most things around here at the moment.