She left!

Nervously, excitedly, hopefully, a little fearful.

I took Sophie to meet her classmates aka live-in family for a month, and the bus to Kahunui (St Cuthbert's outdoor education centre, in the depths of the Bay of Plenty, 5 hours away, NO CELLPHONE COVERAGE!

All electronic devices (cameras, and laptops for schoolwork only, aside) are put away at a certain point in the bus trip, envelopes, writing paper and stamps the medium of communication to and from parents and anyone else outside, and stripy pyjama-like suits are given out to wear for the duration (OK, I made the last bit up).

4 houses (6-8 girls each) compete with each other in sports, budgeting, taking care of themselves (including waste disposal, cooking, and utilities management) and doubtless a pile of other stuff I'll hear a little about gradually and eventually, if I'm especially lucky.

Sophie seemed happily settled on the bus, quiet, alongside a chattering chirpy Harriet Henderson (fun to catch up with Mike, Harriet's dad, who I knew for about 6 years about 30-35 years ago at Valley Rd youth group, and Cheryl, his wife).

Do well, Sophie. Thinking of you. As you know. xxx

PS Sophie's latest poem "I Think You Would Say the Same" is another lovely one - takes some thinking about, though ....
http://sophiwophi.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-think-you-would-say-same.html