I wish there was some simple formula to figure it out. Oh it is simple! I would tell you. You live there? Great! You go to this school! Well, I guess it can be that simple, but that was not the case for our family. I couldn't wrap my mind around sending Noah to public school {please don't misunderstand, I am not belittling anyone who's children attend public school. I, myself, attended public school from 6th through graduation.} For Alan and I, choosing the place our son would learn was a very important decision. We knew what school district we were in. We also knew that there was a private school in our town, one that I actually attended for a couple of years.
That is it! I thought to myself. We will send him there. Smaller school. Christian education. Plus we know many of the parents and teachers already! Well, that was easy...or not.
Above all else, we knew we wanted God's plan for Noah and for our family. We prayed and asked God to make it know to us what His will is.
There was an open house for the christian private school back in March. Perfect! This will give us a chance to see if this is the right fit for us. If sending Noah there is what God is calling us to do. The weeks leading up to this event I spent much time in prayer asking God to make it clear to me, if this was the school for Noah, we would know that night.
So, we went. Noah was not overly thrilled with the whole experience but he seemed excited for school none the less. I, however, left feeling like this was not the choice for us. Don't get me wrong, the school is great! The teacher was so sweet and I really appreciated the atmosphere there. What a fun place to learn! But still, I just knew it was not for us.
Insert more prayer here.
What other options did we have?
Lord, please! I don't know what to do. He has to go to school this fall. I can't just keep him at home and hide him in his room...wait... Keep him home? Well, isn't that an idea. Homeschool? Lord, I need a serious answer here and some real direction. There is no way that I, the mom with very little patience and one who cannot keep up with the laundry...ever, could possible add teaching my child to my long to-do list each day!
I guess I thought I could entertain the idea and just find out more about it. But really though, I thought God had to be joking that He would call me to this. I never, ever, and I mean EVER thought this was my calling. Surely this was not what His plan looked like in my life.
My good friend has taught her 3 boys at home their entire lives and they are the most well behaved kids I know. {And no, they are by no means 'socially awkward.' Come on, I know you were thinking it.} I have always had the utmost respect for her and her family. And she has been in my life for, um...11 years! So, anyway, I asked her if I could pick her brain about homeschooling...you know, just to humor God and see if this was something He was really serious about. Little did I know that the conversations would change so much for our family.
Everything she said just resonated so deep within me. I almost cried out of excitement. THIS IS IT!! This is exactly what I am to do. This is my calling. What do you know? God, you were right! Like I needed a reminder. So thankful He is patient with me and continues to show me His will.
So here we are...having fun learning at home! I am so thankful for my supportive husband who is all for it and most of all, I am thankful God led me to this place in my walk where I can lean on Him for strength as we start this new adventure. Oh, it is so stinkin' fun!!
forever His,
marcey♥
Box day! Our curriculum finally arrived and the boys were just a tad excited. |
This was NOT posed. All three of them were so into the books! |
I love you and am so glad we decided to homeschool :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, and props to you! I hope it goes great.
ReplyDeleteIt was a decision I never regretted. Did I pull out my hair from time to time? Yes. Did steam fly out my nose occasionally? Sure did. Did I laugh with my son until I had to run to the bathroom? uh huh (and equally glad he didn't understand why) Did we become friends while I was raising and educating him? You betcha. It built a strong relationship that has held through teen turmoil and now adulthood. You will not regret the decision.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you and Alan and happy for your decision to home school Noah. The fact that you are keeping God in the middle of your decision making is very wise and He will prove his faithfulness as always.
ReplyDeleteI am in the midst of making a big decision too regarding career/job change. I accepted a voluntary separation offer from H&R Block about 4 months ago and haven't worked since. The time off has been good because my dad passed away a couple months ago. I am praying for God's guidance as to what career path to pursue from here.
It was great seeing you guys recently. We love and miss you all.
Jeff Rindom
Thank you for the encouragement! It was so very good to see you and Carol!! I will be praying for you and your family as you are in this season of life. Praying for clear direction from the one who knows all things! ~marcey
Delete