Fri 12 Sep 2008 - Today, am just too proud
The joys of living in Colombo include finding friendships with two homeschool families. We do not have coops, conventions, or curriculum fairs but we make do with whatever time we can spend with each
other.
My children, with very good friends, the Raney boys, exploring a lake in Sri Lanka.
From Oct 27, 2007 Yayawatte, Tangalle South Sri Lanka
One of them is the Raneys, an American family living here for about 10 years, whom we have been in touch with mostly. They homeschool 2 boys of the same ages as my children. We have known the Wolvers with 3 children from UK, however, for a very short time. We had the pleasure of having our kids play together in few occasions. We even joked that the Wolvers are our distant cousins since we are the Lobos - get it? Mr. Raney, on the other hand, spent childhood years in Palawan as a missionary kid. So, there's the affinity!
Today, the Raneys came and visited with us. We try to meet weekly as time allows. Afternoons like this always seem too short. It is such an encouraging time to spend it with a mom who shares her faith, beliefs and passion unselfishly. Our families have known each other for a few years. My children attended her eldest son's birthday party last weekend. And today, I heard from her, I should say, the most rewarding remarks a homeschool mom could ever receive about her children. I never even expected it.
It went something like this: "... while my husband and I were cleaning up after the party, your son came near to us and offered, 'Auntie, may I help?' or it is like..'May I do that for you?'.. I want you to know, since you were not there and not looking."
"Oh, there's this other thing," she continued. "We had a word game and I selected some advanced words and their definitions which I thought they wouldn't know. But he got two words and I never imagined he knew them!" Hmmm. Curiously, I asked what the words were but since I didn't teach them myself it quickly slipped my memory. I just remember that these are history words. My son loves reading history.
My heart fluttered. It wasn't just glad. It was singing! I admit, my son has done me proud. But what can I say? I must be careful to thank God for His grace. As parents, we have been trying our best to instruct them, train them. While tears mingled with prayers and patience often groaned to snap, we discipline them. Too often, we felt like there is nothing happening to the seeds sown each day. Now, I know there is, it is there and growing. O, me of little faith! And today, my friend's story attested to this work, this small seed God is nurturing. I thank her for making it sure that I know. You don't find people like her everyday. Other moms could care less.
What's the point? You might ask. Admittingly, I am just too proud. On the other hand, I would like to encourage moms. If you are a mom who is trying to find the fruits of your labor, just wait. If you have been counting sleepless nights about a child who doesn't seem to get it, be patient. If your voice gets hoarse all the time admonishing, instructing to the point of screaming when at wit's end, be calm. Find peace in God. If you know you have prayed for that child and lifted him up in tears to God, don't despair. Maybe, you have been doing it for years and it seems like character and virtue plus academics are just too hard to instill and too overwhelming to teach. You felt burnt-out and homeschool seems to fade with your vision, have faith.
If you know in your heart that God has led you in the path of Deuteronomy 6:1-9, go back to His Word. Do not be disheartened. Keep and do diligently the work you have been called to do. It may seem slow but you will, I assure you, YOU WILL get there.
And as my other blog says- it is a heartwork in progress. _______________________________________________
Day Eleven Ismailis and Their Leader
Day Twelve Kairouan, Tunisia |
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