Zechariah's adjustment has been going beautifully.
Overall, this adoption of a six (now seven) year old has been very smooth.
{Note:  We're still just six months in.....}

Last week, Zechariah started {American} football, which he has begged to do since coming home.
The first week was not a stellar start.
In addition to being tired and hungry, it was WAY overwhelming for my little man.
And it ended in multiple bouts of tears, on my lap.
For example, Zechariah would get the ball and start running down the field, only to be "tagged" by one of his teammates, ending his running streak.
Not.happy.
Competitive much???

Then, they would do drills and Zechariah, not understanding "boundaries" on the field, would run to the side, racing "out of bounds" to the end zone.
Um, "You're out," did not sit so well with him.
Ugh.

After a very rough one-hour practice, he and I had a little chat at bedtime.

"Zechariah, when you came home from Uganda, did you know how to count?"
No.

"Did you know how to count to ONE HUNDRED?"
No.
"By tens?"
Nope.

"You had to learn, right?"
Yes.

"Just like that, you have to LEARN to play football.
The entire reason we have practice is to LEARN.
And have FUN.
Not to feel sad about not knowing how to do it the first time out.
So, next week, I'm going to play with you and show you how and it's going to be fun!"

"Mom, I want to play golf."
{sigh}
"No, you need to finish what you started and I promise next week will be better."

And it went on.

This week, we had football again.
It.was.awesome.

He was all smiles.
He tried hard but didn't get upset when he couldn't do it the first time.
He ran hard; played hard; and laughed the entire time.

I got up and showed him each drill so he didn't feel overwhelmed.
The coach was sweet with him.  {Blessing!}
All was well.

When we got home, Zechariah said to me, "Mom!  I did football and I didn't cry!  I was learning and having FUN!"

Dear Jesus, THANK YOU for blessing me with a son who is so sweet and such a great listener and such an awesome big brother example for my other two pun'kins.  You really did get this one just.right.  AMEN.