Assignment:  Feelings of Trials and Triumphs of Homeschooling.

"What a feeling?  Homeschool.... WHO ME???  NO WAY!!!  There's no way, no how, can't do it!  You've got to be kidding!" 

That' is how I felt when the thought was suggested to me.   My aunt years ago had homeschooled my cousin for a couple of years (or so).  That probably was the first that I "heard" of it.  However, during that time, I didn't pay any attention.  I knew she homeschooled him, but I really couldn't tell you anything else. 

I have a friend that I went to church with that homeschooled.  (She graduated her last this year!)  I was always so impressed with her girls.  They were so well behaved and their disposition was extremely pleasant.  Although, I looked up to them and admired them, it still wasn't even a "thought" or an option. 

My brother and his wife started homeschooling my niece when she was in first grade or so.  So, I would say probably in 2002... maybe.   Again, my thought was it was great for them, but still not an option for me.  Both my brother and my sister-n-law tried suggesting it to me... which planted the seed.   But I refused saying, "I could never have the patience & there's no way, no how that "I" could homeschool.  I'd love to have them homeschooled, but only if someone else would do it!"

God continued to work in me and my thoughts. 

My daughter was having a lot of problems in school.  Every year, I would talk with the teacher and explain the "issues".  Every year, they pulled her through.  However, I was seeing where she was lacking and struggling.  My son begged me to homeschool him.  He struggled socially.  Still I wasn't convince that I should homeschool my kids. 

Finally, when my oldest was in 4th grade I met with the teacher and again went through what my daughters struggles were.  I had meetings.  I asked them to test her for reading disabilities, which they told me they would.  (that was in October)  I waited and waited.  She continued to struggle.  Her teacher was extremely supportive and seen the issues that I seen.  Still homeschooling wasn't an option.

One day, I went to get the mail.  In the mail was a flyer on Cyber Schooling.  It caught my attention.  Hmmmm... maybe I could school at home!  I started researching.  My husband and I discussed it.  He told me I was crazy, but he'd support my decision.  I went to the information session and signed my oldest two up.  I would finish the year out and bring them home the next fall.

Finally on the last week of school, they decided to test my daughter.  Remember, we set the test up in October?  Here it was May.  Seems they made her priority!?!  By this point we already knew that she wasn't staying there, but in fact coming home to cyber school in the fall of 2004.

God provided a stepping stone. 

We cyber schooled the first year.  It was good, but still not what I expected.  I had got my hopes up to "tailor" it the way I wanted.  That wasn't so.  I thought we would have time to do projects I wanted to, but that wasn't so.  They were busy.  I'm sure if we did it now, we'd be fine... but it all was new for us. 

 He opened my eyes and left me know that "I Could" homeschool my kids.  The rest is history.  We've been homeschooling since 2005. 

You can read more about my thoughts on stepping stones HERE.

Our Homeschooling Adventure...

...has gone through many ups and downs.  Some days it's smooth sailing.  Other days, it's extremely rough.  Some days, we get caught up on a rock and need to just stop and take a break.   God continues to bless this homeschool.  It's so important to just stay focused on the fact that HE is in control & not me.  This is HIS school, not mine.   When I keep that in focus, things go well. 

I think the hardest part that I find for myself is that it seems as though I wear so many hats that it overwhelms me.   I continually to question whether I'm "qualified" to homeschool these kids.  However, the more I question it, the more reasons I find to keep them home.  God is so faithful and continues to provide.  He once directed me to the story of how Abaraham was tested.  God told Abraham to take his son up to the mountain and sacrifice him.  Abraham didn't question it... he just did it.  Why?  Because he knew that God was in control & he trusted Him.  He had no clue that God would provide a ram for him to sacrifice, he just obeyed.  The fact was, God wanted to see if Abraham was faithful & if he had the fear of God.  He had plans for Abraham.  Did he trust God?  Because Abraham did without questioning, God blessed him.  God provided for him. 

 "So Abraham called that place, The Lord Will Provide.  And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."   Genesis 22:14 

Through this lesson God showed me that if He has asked me to homeschool these kids... I need to trust that He will provide whatever it takes to get them to the place He has called my children - HIS CHILDREN.  I just need to be obedient and obey.  Does that make it easy?  Nope!  But I know that God WILL PROVIDE!  Whatever it may be that I need.... encouragement, patience, motivation, ideas, self-discipline, school supplies, and the list goes on and on.  All I have to do is ask for it.  You can read my original entry on this lesson God was teaching me and situation that I was going through at the time HERE.

Here the kids are today... (or a month ago)