When we started homeschooling six years ago, I felt quite isolated as there weren't too many homeschoolers in our area. I desperately needed support for this journey that I was embarking on but none could be found. It was at this point that I discovered The Well Trained Mind message boards. This became my oasis in an atmosphere of uncertainty and loneliness. I learned so much from those boards. Not only did I learn how to figure out the generalities of homeschooling but I also learned how to educate my children classically. This was also the best place for learning about curriculum and which one would work for my children. These message boards helped to alleviate my loneliness. I found a network of women who understood most of the things that I was going through. This was such a relief to me.
As the years went on, I discovered another venue for online friendships--the yahoo groups. I soon found out that the list of homeschooling yahoo groups are endless. I had to curtail my memberships as I was getting a bit slap happy with the join button. The groups that I am very thankful for are the ones for classical education. There is one group in particular that has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. ClassEd is quite a small group of classical homeschoolers. The size of the group lends to more of a family atmosphere. I consider these people my friends, close friends. Not only do we discuss the meat and potatoes of CE (I live for those discussions. The wisdom that flows through those conversations is amazing.) but we celebrate for each others successes, and pray for each others trials. There are a few other classical e-groups that have helped me muddle through my early years of homeschooling as well.
Another way of maintaining friendships is through blogs. I have become very familiar with other classical homeschoolers through reading their thoughts at their blogs. These blogs that I frequent, challenge me as a wife, mother, and classical educator. This is how every friendship should be.
I have always lamented the fact that I do not have a real-life Titus 2 relationship with an older Christian woman. As I have been writing this post out, though, I am realizing that I have many of these kinds of relationships. Granted, they are not in real life, but I do experience them online. I have garnered some wonderful friendships through my e-groups and message boards. These women have helped me is no many ways, not just homeschooling but with raising my children and in my marriage. These friendships are very special to me.
As the years have unraveled, I have found some like-minded women in real life, especially one dear friend who is like a sister to me. But I still cherish my online friendships. They are still a source of strength and wisdom for me. I am very thankful for their presence in my life.
I am going to list a few e-groups for those of you who do not have the blessings of like-minded friendships with other homeschoolers. Maybe these groups will be an encouragement to you as they have been for me.
The Well Trained Mind
Class Ed--this is a small groups for Christian classical homeschoolers.
Latin Classical Ed--this group is based on Andrew Campell's book of the same name.
Julia lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband, homeschools her 3 children (10,8,6) and attempts to give them a classical education. You can read more at her blog.
