It was a very difficult decision, but we finally decided that Matthew and Elisabeth should attend the regular public school here in Puriscal. Our main objective is for them to learn Spanish. We finally got all the required paperwork from the States and obtained the needed certificates from the local authorities. On Monday we presented all of this to the director of the local school we chose, not knowing if he would accept it or ask for something more. He did accept the paperwork and so Tuesday was their first day of school.
We expected Matthew to complain a lot and not want to go, but I was surprised by how much resistance we got from Elisabeth as well. Anyway, they both received father's blessings to help them prepare for the difficulties that are sure to follow.
When we dropped them off, Elisabeth seemed to take it all in stride. Matthew on the other hand was extremely nervous, and put his head in hands and acted as if he wasn't going to acknowledge anyone else existed at the school. Later we received word (from our neighbor who also teaches as the school) that Elisabeth was talking and playing with other girls and seemed to be doing just fine. Matthew had a harder time of it, but even he seemed to have a good time.
When we go to drop off or pick up the kids we are quite the spectacle, and many of the children go out of their way to wave and smile at us. After a couple of days Matthew is doing much better than expected, he always seems to be having fun. Even so, I fully expect him to continue complaining every time we take him to school.