Four days into home schooling and I'm starting to get familiar with the curriculum and find my way through the thick stack of readers, teacher editions and practice workbooks. I went to a training class on the language arts curriculum and found it to be a relief to see other mom's fumbling there way through, and teachers who are tremendously supportive and encouraging of a home schooling environment.
As for the emotional side of things, I am battling hope vs. despair. Brian has an interview on Wednesday morning and the actual prospect of a job causes the hope to rise. It is scary to see an end to our dependence upon family to survive and then possibly see that light slip through our hands, once again. I am wrought with emotional conflict; wanting to remain steady, not too hopeful, yet positive, faithful, but not assuming. It is so much to balance, especially upon the heavy load of kids, school, friends, my relationship with The Lord, life, taking care of myself, laundry etc...
I have been trying to find a fit for my passions, in ministry, and it so happens that Amber, a good friend of mine, needed help with the missions emphasis weeks coming up. Friday, I was able to assist in stuffing packets, hanging signs (girls don't do zip ties very well), and moral support in preparing for this big push of missions at Lakeside. It truly feels good to give of myself and time and participate in something my heart is passionate about. As Grace's "Gotcha Day" quickly approaches, we looked through her photo-book, and I think back to the amazing experience we had in getting Grace. I am so grateful to China for the gift of my daughter. I has forever changed me and left am imprint on my heart. I look forward to what the future will bring with regards to China and our family.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Me, homeschooling?
I am officially a homeschooling Mom! Yes, I am one of those moms who you wonder how they can do it(and say you never could) who's kids you suspect are weird and socially awkward, or neurotic, or overly religious, or granola, or whatever you think of when you think of when you think of "homeschooling." My reason, a very personal choice, was made with the utmost consideration for what I truly feel is best, in my heart, for my son. Trust me, I've run through all the scenarios and believe that a Charter School/Independent Study will be what will enable him to be the most successful, for at least, now. A Charter School is a publicly funded program for families who wish to be more involved in their children's education. All the resources are provided with no cost to the family (I have an enormous stack of Teacher edition & workbooks), a teacher is assigned to meet with us every-other week & science is taught 2 days a week by an educator, in a traditional setting.
I won't go into what led us to this place because it is my son's to share when and if he wants, but essentially, although he is an intelligent & articulate child, he struggles with impulse control. When an idea is brought forward, he jumps in head first and is not able to predict the consequences that may ensue. This is a normal "problem" for children and teenagers and with all the stress of our family situation, a new school, new location etc....it has placed him in a difficult predicament. We feel it is most important for him to enjoy school, encourage positive peer relationships and be successful and just as when we place ourselves in tempting situations we are more likely to fail, so it is with our precious child. I know that homeschooling vs. public school vs. private school is a hot topic that most parents feel passionately one way or another. I always said, "I'd home school if I had too, but I don't want too." But, now is that time, for us. I hope it's temporary, but to be honest, I don't know. It'd be nice to send him off and have 6 hours of more freedom, but as a Mom, I have to and want to do what's best for our children and our family.
I won't go into what led us to this place because it is my son's to share when and if he wants, but essentially, although he is an intelligent & articulate child, he struggles with impulse control. When an idea is brought forward, he jumps in head first and is not able to predict the consequences that may ensue. This is a normal "problem" for children and teenagers and with all the stress of our family situation, a new school, new location etc....it has placed him in a difficult predicament. We feel it is most important for him to enjoy school, encourage positive peer relationships and be successful and just as when we place ourselves in tempting situations we are more likely to fail, so it is with our precious child. I know that homeschooling vs. public school vs. private school is a hot topic that most parents feel passionately one way or another. I always said, "I'd home school if I had too, but I don't want too." But, now is that time, for us. I hope it's temporary, but to be honest, I don't know. It'd be nice to send him off and have 6 hours of more freedom, but as a Mom, I have to and want to do what's best for our children and our family.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Leadership Summit 2009
The Leadership Summit http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/was this week and since Brian & our good friend, Tony, volunteered, they got to sit in on portions of the simulcast when they were not serving. One of the speakers was Dr. Wess Stafford, who gave an impactful testimony, that Tony shared with us, during their lunch break. It had moved him extremely deeply and it therefore, also impacted me. It was the one speaker that gave each attender a book and so today, when I had finished the last of "19 Minutes," by Jodi Picoult, and needed something new to entertain myself, I choose his book, "Too Small to Ignore." I quickly read about 40 pages and not only is he an incredible story teller, he has an amazing story to share! Here are a few of the impactful quotes and thoughts that have provoked me to ponder.
He begins the book with this story: D.L. Moody, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. His wife asked, "So how did it go tonight?" "Pretty well," he replied. "Two and a half converts." "That's sweet, " she replied. "How old was the child?" "No, no, no," Moody answered. "It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half gone."
Dr. Stafford's premise is that we need to do more for the children of this world. He gives statistics of the number of starving children who die a day (30,000 under age 5 a day!), how 2/3 of all people who give their lives to Christ do so before the age of 18, how he believes that there is a spiritual warfare that exists in the battle over children, and how little most churches' budget is dedicated to children programs. This certainly convicts my views of missions and where the emphasis should be.
He begins the book with this story: D.L. Moody, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. His wife asked, "So how did it go tonight?" "Pretty well," he replied. "Two and a half converts." "That's sweet, " she replied. "How old was the child?" "No, no, no," Moody answered. "It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half gone."
Dr. Stafford's premise is that we need to do more for the children of this world. He gives statistics of the number of starving children who die a day (30,000 under age 5 a day!), how 2/3 of all people who give their lives to Christ do so before the age of 18, how he believes that there is a spiritual warfare that exists in the battle over children, and how little most churches' budget is dedicated to children programs. This certainly convicts my views of missions and where the emphasis should be.
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