My last blog wasn't very encouraging.  This is a difficult topic, and one that is not very popular with home schoolers, but since I stopped crying over this major event of my life, I have felt that God would have me share it.  So, now I have shared it with you.  It is a difficult thing.  It has been the source of much soul searching, but you know what?  God is still here and He is still Good.  He cares about my child and knows exactly where they are physically, emotionally and spiritually.  He cares about me and knows the pain and I have felt and the self evaluation I have been through, prayerfully considering every aspect of my life, looking for ways I have failed the Lord and my child.  Confessing sin and weighing every activity.  Striving to stay in tune with him and to know my other children even better.  One child has turned from God, but the others are still here, going through this with us and asking their own questions.  They have suffered loss of fellowship with a sibling and it has been a challenge for them all. 

God also knows those who have come along side us, encouraging us and helping us through this time.  We could not make it without their strength, lifting us up and making themselves available to listen when we need it.  This incident has affected me in ways that I never imagined, but those good friends who called and prayed and cried with us are what has kept us out of the pits of total despair.  We are grateful for them and thank God for them every day.