June 7, 2009

A New Chapter

Friday was a bittersweet day for our family.  
A turning of the page, to a new chapter of our lives.

It was the last day of school.  Not just any last-day-of-school.  It was the last day that my children's education rested in the hands of another.  This new chapter of our lives is titled homeschooling.

Before you gasp and cringe and think " I hope she knows what she's getting herself into," let me assure you that this has not been a quick decision.  In fact the Lord pricked my heart just over a year ago.  It was a simple whisper to my heart, and over time, my attitude and preconceptions have changed.  

As a former educator, people would often ask if we were going to homeschool when our oldest was ready for kindergarten.  I would automatically stiffen and reply, "no way, I don't meet the criteria of having 12 children and wearing jumpers."   Recently, I've had the privilege to get to know some REAL homeschool families.  And that is just what they are.... real.  Normal.  Fun.  Beautiful.  Happy.  Gone are my misconceptions and sad prejudices.  

Back to our decision to homeschool...
My initial desire to homeschool my children did not come from a dire situation that we needed to get out of.  Rather, it was during one of their track out periods, when I had them to myself that I felt the Holy Spirit ignite my desire to teach them.  When I approached my husband about it, he simply said, "Let me pray about it."  Music to my ears.  I didn't want this to be my decision, or even our decision.  We wanted this to be a God thing.

Over the course of the next few months, we received one confirmation after another; some big, some small.  Nevertheless, we witnessed God's faithfulness as he gently guided us to this decision.

Which leads me to this past Friday, the last day of school.  As I drove out of the carpool line for the last time, a slight panic of "this is it" flashed through my brain.  It was one of those moments of parenting that you think, this is big.  A giant step of faith.  But the panic was replaced with excitement and the true satisfaction of knowing this is exactly where the Lord is calling me to be.

We had to deal with the bittersweet emotions that come with any major life change.  My children are thrilled with our new venture, but saying goodbye to school friends was tough.  I enjoyed my last morning of dropping them off at school and meeting a friend for breakfast.

We step into this new chapter of life with great enthusiasm, much excitement, and a sense of newfound freedom.  



My boys on our Memorial Day hike

We love to hike the mountains, even in the rain.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I saw your oldest when I was there for graduation on Friday. The Lord uses every thing, so we know He has used this season that is closing and the fabulous thing is that He is the One leading into this next season, so you can be sure it will be the best place for your precious three and for you and your Man. I can't wait to see how He blesses all of you. I know a pretty cool homeschool Mom and she does not wear jumpers nor does she have 12 children, but she has two very happy and excited little boys who like their Kitchen Table Academy. Enjoy your summer. Love and missed you on the bus today, Miss Dixie

The Lord Family said...

Yay! How exciting! I'll be praying for y'all as you begin this new chapter.
Welcome to the wonderful world of home school.
And I don't wear jumpers either! :)

Carpool Queen said...

Can't wait to hear how the Lord uses and teaches you through this experience. Supporting you!!!

Patricia said...

All the best and God Bless you and your children

Tracey said...

Welcome, sweet friend, to the homeschooling journey. It's a life filled with full days (and nights), frustration and overwhelming joy, academic and character training (guess which one is harder? ;) ), and a group of moms that are here to help you as you travel this road.

We are cheering for you over here at our little schoolhouse!

Laryssa Herbert said...

Both my husband and I were homeschooled from 3rd grade through 12th. I now homeschool our children as well. It has been the best decision we have made. It's not easy, but the rewards are innumerable! You can do it!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

This was a fabulous post, and yes, your FRIDAY WAS HUGE!! Can't wait to see all that the Lord does through this step of faith.

But beware, you know...I am weird, and wear jumpers....every day.;)

O said...

I love that you came to the first realization after spending time with them at home. That was my biggest reason for homeschooling, I just loved being with my kids and knew that this time with them is so short really and I wanted to be there for each new thing in their life,even the learning. My biggest advice is that you just enjoy them! The teaching and what they need to learn will follow!

KR said...

YAY!! And welcome! And never forget that if the Lord calls you to do something, He will equip you 100%. I know you know that, but don't forget it! And isn't it so neat that He keeps confirming this for you? He did that for me, too, when I was in pre-homeschool freak out mode. Not that you are, but I was, even though I knew it was what He wanted us to do. Whenever I questioned or wavered or freaked out, He gently confirmed His decision for us. We'll be praying for you!

Nicki said...

Welcome to homeschooling! Enjoy the ride! :)

Marie said...

What a Blessing! Welcome to your home schooling adventure. I've been home schooling my children for the past 6 years. My oldest son who is now 19 went to traditional school through 5th grade. Loved his elementary school - no issues at all. Until one day our sweet Lord laid it on my heart to start teaching my kids at home. It really came out of no where, and that's sometimes how God works! At the time I didn't know why He chose me, but I didn't question Him. My husband and I prayed over this and decided to be obedient even though we didn't know "how" we'd do it. 6 years later, we are so happy we followed His plan! It has been very rewarding. I've added 3 other kids over the years - our newest addition is our 5 yo daughter who will start Kindergarten in August! I will be praying for you - for the Lord's guidance and wisdom. Please feel free to ask questions!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Mom said...

What a wonderful way to "expose" your new adventure! It has been a privilege to be praying about this with you, & I am so excited for all of you! And I'm here for you anytime, my Precious One! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lacy said...

All I can say is I wish I had you, your porch, some coffee and days to hang out!!! I have had homeschooling on my heart since last summer!! I really thought "those" people were sheltering their kids and wore jumpers too!!! Hey...Im soooo wishing I was able to be one of "those" people. I am so struggling, but am so proud of you for following your heart. You will be awesome!!! Good luck!

Samantha said...

From reading your blog over the past months I can tell that you are going to be amazing at home schooling your children. What a blessing! Some days I wish that I could do it, I'm one of those mom's that can't wait for summer break to start(2 1/2 weeks away:)) and is very sad when it ends. I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures in the future.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

I think you will look back on this as a wonderful choice, and there will be blessings and surprises unfold that will delight you and the family. Courage! Linda