What We're Up to

After three years of praying, two years of researching, and the last year preparing, we decided to jump into home-based education for our children! After the first week of school, I can safely say that the blessings are pouring far heavier than the tears.

The first couple of days were hard. The next day worked. To be honest one week of this has given meaning to the cliche that homeschooling is not for everyone. It has given meaning to the statement that homeschooling brings you daily to your knees. And it has given meaning to things I've read like, if you do not know your God-given purpose in this, you will give up.  This isn't easy. But, we know our purpose.

I'm confident, too, that it will get easier as we adjust to the routines and find our daily rhythm, which is already happening. 

I also understand, after a week of this, that for anyone to say, "I couldn't do that," I'd say, "You're right." Because choosing this path, if lead to it, will change you. You will be turned inside out and every weakness will be revealed, and where you can't, grace will slip in and redemption enter and you'll grow through it. And what you were striving for through your homeschool will bless you a thousand times over just because you said yes. 

I already know this after one week of it.

Some of the joys already have been being showered with kisses and flowers from our garden by my children, even on the hardest day. We face our struggles and see them through. We learn patience and accountability. We tie themes together throughout our day. The youngest are jumping in, hungry to learn with the older. We work hard. We accept responsibility. We cooperate. We love. These are happening.

It's not just academics we strive to excel in. There is so much more being gained here. So much. 

Here is a glimpse into our school room. I never thought we'd actually use it, but it keeps us focused and we love it.

And that's what we're up to around here.

And continuing to count gifts of gratitude with Ann:

For the privilege of training and educating children at home
God working on our children's hearts in embracing the changes
School room prepared
Supportive friends and family
The wonder of a child
persistance through valley's and lifted up to new and stronger faith
He making all things new
grace and redemption - daily
the ability to study my children
being showered with kisses and flowers
settling into schedules
eleven years with my man

sharing with A Holy Experience and Finding Heaven