Jordan Barnes (left) and James Kizler had been friends in Stuttgart, Germany, before both of their fathers were transferred to Fort Lee, and now both attend Elizabeth Davis Middle School.

Growing up in a military family can be one of the most difficult things for any kid to do. The joys of living in places many people only dream of seeing are quickly offset by the challenges of having to make new friends and adjust to a new school before starting over only a few short years later.

Luckily for Jordan Barnes and James Kizler, sixth-graders at Elizabeth Davis Middle, they don’t have to go through the ordeal alone.

“It has helped us a lot to have someone to talk to and hang out with,” says Barnes. “We only live about a mile from each other, so that is really cool.”

The two first met each other in second grade while living on a military base in Stuttgart, Germany. After living there the past four years, they found out that both of their fathers had been transferred to Ft. Lee.

“We knew that we were both coming to the same area, but didn’t know that we would be going to the same school. Since we were both coming from Germany, the people in the office put us in all of the same classes so that we would know someone,” says Kizler.

For both students, the road to Chesterfield has been a markedly different one. Before meeting each other in Germany, Kizler had lived in England, Italy and Turkey, while Barnes came from Kansas.

“I’ve lived in so many places, so I don’t really have a favorite place to live, but the U.S. was always my favorite place to visit,” says Barnes. “I really like that you can play tackle football here; in Germany, you could only play flag.”

Having just moved to Virginia at the end of August, both are still adjusting to being in the States. For Kizler, this is his first time ever living in America.

“There are a lot more crosswalks in Germany and more fast food places here,” says Kizler. “Most of the food places there were family-owned. There’s also a lot more churches over there.”

Barnes adds, “It’s a lot more humid here too. I used to not like the rain before, but I like it now.”

In addition to adjusting to the area, both are in awe of their new middle school.

“This school is huge,” says Barnes. “Plus, it’s so new. Our school in Germany was over 50 years old. Even the bathrooms are nice. The gym is huge; it looks like the fitness centers in Germany. You can play anything in there.”

Though adjusting to switching schools can be difficult, especially when switching to one in a completely different country, Kizler and Barnes are fortunate enough to not have to experience it alone.

“The hardest part was definitely having to leave my friends. We knew everyone there,” says Kizler. “At least I still have Jordan to hang out with.”

nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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