Here it is, the middle of April, and we are living in a whole new state, as new missionaries, with a whole new schedule, doing life with a whole new circle of friends. That about sums it up.
Back in February, we made our move to New Orleans working with an organization called CrossRoads Missions. Bruce is the field project manager here. And basically, as self-supported missionaries, we are hosting short-term mission trips for volunteer teams from all over the nation. Each week, we house, feed and put to work in the community, up to 125 individuals that come from churches, schools and universities. From a local standpoint, we are partnering with evangelical organizations by providing the manpower to help them accomplish their goals of furthering the gospel in the Greater New Orleans area.
Much of this is fleshed out by building new homes, renovating existing homes, clearing lots of debris and over-growth, and doing yardwork for those that aren't able to do it themselves. By investing time into a particular neighborhood week after week, we are able to meet folks, build relationships with them, and introduce them to the love and hope experienced and given through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We have yet another reason for appreciating the fact that we homeschool. What a blessing it is to have the flexibility to go and work with the teams each week. And to use the diverse setting to educate our children in a variety of ways, We have been trying out a four day school week for the last month, seeing if we can try to go to the worksites atleast twice a week. Plus, we usually meet back at CrossRoads most evenings for dinner with the crews. Wednesday afternoon we set aside for family time. Friday night is the final sharing time and good-byes. The volunteers normally take off early Saturday morning. We'll continue to tweak the schedule until it works out the way we need.
I am very interested in how other missionary families homeschool in the field. Would love to hear any input...
I've been thinking long and hard about ending this blog all together. When we started our ministry blog back in November, I have found little time to maintain both. And I feel like Five to Go is a "must" right now for us and our supporters. However, I'm thinking that once we've settled into things around here, I'll be able to get back in the groove of blogging on Home For Him atleast a couple times a week. Lord, please help me do Your will with this.
what a commitment this takes (working in N.O.). I wanted to comment on how other missionary families homeschool and run their ministry. I have a good friend who moved to Mexico to drill water wells. They take trips about once a month, and constantly have other obligations going on. They homeschool year round, so that they can work and travel as needed. It sounds like you have a constant influx of teams. This would be hard not to get involved each day. I know that my friend has had to slow down and keep the kids at home more often, letting her husband do some travelling on his own, in order to keep some kind of order for the kids. This has been hard on her - she feels a little out of the loop, ministry wise - yet after praying about it - feels that she needs a season of concentrating on academics.
I'm sure God will show you when to do what. Sometimes the flexibility of homeschooling is our biggest obstacle and yet, the biggest privilege, too.
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I want to thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to visit Home For Him. I hope in some small way that you find encouragement and ideas for not only your homeschooling experience, but also your walk with God.
The Boss ~ Bruce, my hubby and best friend, is a Project Manager for CrossRoads Missions here in New Orleans. He likes to listen to music, watch old concerts on Netflix, play practical jokes and be with family. He also spends alot of time in the Word these days, trying to be the best leader for our family and mission that he can be.
The Serious and Organized One ~ "Bri Guy" likes to read, play soccer, listen to music, build bionicles, collect pocketknives, hang out with friends, go to CBS, and be with family.
The Creative Dreamer ~ "Sissy Lou" likes to write on her blog, love on her pets, rides horses, scrapbook, read, play soccer, be with her girlfriends, and study the Bible.
The Extreme Goof ~ "Con Man" likes to do math, play football and soccer, snowboard, make people laugh, build bionicles, play with his dogs, play with friends, build forts, and go to small group at church.
May 31, 2009 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
I'm sure God will show you when to do what. Sometimes the flexibility of homeschooling is our biggest obstacle and yet, the biggest privilege, too.
Edited by 2boysmom on May 30, 2009 at 11:14 PM