SINGLE BIG CITY HOMESCHOOLER - Homeschool Blogger

LET'S ELEVATE "Jemba"

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:06:00 -0600

As a homeschooling activity, I had my son look for a penpal via a website called "Students of the World." He found a fellow homeschooled student, and they are now emailing each other daily, via the Students of the World safe emailing site. It took a while for my son to find a penpal who didn't want to email via a private email address, but he finally did. He's delighted and so am I.

I found some penpals too, mainly because I've always been interested in how others live in distant lands. One of my penpals is a 17-year-old boy who lives in Kasese, Uganda. Both of his parents died when he was 6 years old, and he is living on his own. He has no money for food or clothing, and I believe he is living on the street, although he didn't say this. A women's organization that he does occasional work for allows him to use their computer.

After I inquired about how he survives, he told me about the lack of food and clothing--he has never begged or asked me to help him. Yet, I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can; isn't this what God would have me to do as a Christian? My heart cried, as he shared with me that he sleeps a lot to avoid hunger pangs and that he eats extremely stale bread out of a bakery's dumpster which usually makes him sick.

He was living with his grandfather and step grandmother, but his grandfather passed away in December 2007. His step grandmother took ill and is now living with relatives. This young boy has no one to help him now. He also has a younger brother who is being "taken care of" by his late grandfather's best friend, but the caretaker cannot adequately meet the needs of the younger brother. This, I believe, concerns this caring young man more than his own needs not being met.

After his grandfather died, this child had to quit school, as he had no one to help him pay fees, get school supplies, or anything else every human being needs to survive. He wants more than anything to finish his education, take care of his brother, and help others; he strongly believes completing his education will elevate him out of poverty. I'm deterimined to find help for him through whatever source I can, including my own, once I begin receiving payment for my contract work via LiveOps. (I just began working for them a few days ago.)

Please help this young man by making donations via this blog, and I assure you that I will get every penny to him and keep you updated on his progress. In the near future, I will build a website, and use it to raise money for him. The boy's name is "Jemba."

Thank you for reading this, and thank you for your contribution to elevate "Jemba."

Ms. Phyllis

THANK GOD IT'S SATURDAY

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 13:40:00 -0600

Got up at about 2 this morning. Did schoolwork that included posting to Discussion Forums and answering questions online. Talked on the phone to my best friend who lives in Ohio. My boy made his own breakfast while I took a short nap around 10:30. It's early afternoon and I'm about to make lunch.

Yesterday, my son attended a kid's fitness class. Only he and one other girl showed up, so the instructor let the two moms who were there use the equipment too. My legs were hurting a bit afterwards, but I felt highly energized. Starting in January, I'm going to start some kind of exercise program--probably conditioning and power walking. Okay, when am I going to fit that in?

This homeschooling, training for work, going to school is a lot, but you know, it's kind of energizing too.

I know where there's a will, God will make the way!

Ms. Phyllis

WORK AND HOMESCHOOLING

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 07:11:00 -0600

LiveOps contacted me! I am now finishing courses so I can certify with them as an Independent Contractor. Once I finish the courses and get my second, dedicated phone line installed, I can begin taking customer service calls and making money. I am grateful for this opportunity, and have to keep diligently working toward the goal. I also finished two of my classes via Grand Canyon University and two more classes started on November 30. All of this along with homeschooling. Hmmmmm . . . there's definitely a lot of stuff going on.

I'm still homeschooling my son. Right now, we are using Time4Learning. I had the frustration of not being able to access it for about a month. I discovered this was because my new computer was running a 64-bit browser instead of a 32-bit browser. Once I accessed the 32-bit browser, which was also available on the computer, and started using it, the problem was solved. Too bad it took me slightly over a month to figure this out. Time4Learning's support people offered some suggestions, but they didn't work. It's not their fault though, Windows 7 is so new, and of course, there are always glitches and bugs with new operating systems. The people at Time4Learning were nice enough to give me a free month to make up for the lost time--a great blessing to me.

My boy is still doing a lot of reading, Time4Learning, projects, etc. His capacity for knowledge and application of that knowledge amazes me. Yesterday, he hooked up my printer with ease, and he's not quite 10. He definitely has the gift for figuring out how things work and putting them together. Me, I have to read the directions and am lost without them. Him, he looks at the picture and goes to work. He is a blessing and God blessed me to be his mom.

Just wanted to stay in touch, and thanks for reading my blog.

Ms. Phyllis

WORK OPPORTUNITY, PATIENCE, AND SITE CHANGES

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:40:00 -0600

WORK OPPORTUNITY

Yesterday,I heard from LiveOps, a company where I applied for an Independent Contractor (IC) position and business opportunity. You have to pay for your own background check, because you contract to receive work from LiveOps as an IC or as a business owner. Once I received my background check information, I thought LiveOps would create my account immediately, so I could start training, then accessing the work. After the investigation company sent the results of my background check to me, I emailed Liveops letting them know (as if they didn't already know). They didn't respond, so I sent two or three more emails; finally, they answered and asked if I could please be patient, and they would notify me as soon as my account is created.

PATIENCE

Well, I have to admit that I did email way too much about the account creation issue. Enthusiasm and elation about the prospect of work had overtaken me! I now realize that probably hundreds, even thousands, of people all over the U.S.A. have applied for this work/business opportunity. The prospect of working from home is desired by many. I'm sure that once LiveOps receives the background check information, they create the accounts as soon as possible. Nevertheless, I am still anxious to begin working. I do need to be patient; patience is a sign of spiritual maturity, and I have a lot of maturing to do in the spiritual area. Father, please help me!

SITE CHANGES

I'm about to change this site and start offering homeschooling helps for a set fee or a donation. I haven't decided which one yet. Soon thereafter, I will create another site solely for the purpose of selling e-books, sharing homeschooling information (for a fee), etc. Currently, I have an online group with a wealth of free/low cost homeschooling information on it and have spent many hours researching this information. The workman, or rather workwoman in this case, is worthy of her hire.

I'd like your input regarding the above, especially the homeschooling help site.

Ms. Phyllis

RETURNING TO COLLEGE AND LOOKING FOR WORK

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:23:00 -0600

I apologize for staying away so long. I've missed my online friends, my blog, my writing, etc. God recently blessed with a brand new computer and I'm overjoyed.

It's a challenge to keep up with everything. Since my son and I moved into an apartment on May 15, I have returned to school online. I started on September 28, at Grand Canyon University, a Christian, regionally accredited school with both online and on campus classes. I'm finishing a degree in English that I started more years ago than I care to mention. When I complete my studies, I would like to teach and tutor students who are English Language Learners or those who would like to better their English speaking and writing skills.

I'm also looking for online work and actually have a few prospects. Yes, I am still homeschooling and taking my son to a few therapy appointments each week. It's all by God's grace and I need to tap into that grace more often.

I'll keep you posted.

Ms. Phyllis

HOUSED AGAIN!

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 20:49:00 -0500

After searching for an apartment for about two weeks, two landlords approved my housing application. I could not accept the first apartment, because I would have to have paid my own lights and cooking gas (and I have a huge past due gas bill I am paying off).

However, the second apartment had cooking gas and heat included, and I would only have to pay an electric bill. God blessed me with a program that will pay my rent for the next 12 months, while I find a job, go to school, etc. I, in turn, pay one-third of my adjustable gross income for rent to the program.

I accepted the second apartment and moved into it on May 15, 2009. What an incredible feeling--to be housed again!

Thanks be to God almighty!

DIVINE INTERVENTION ON A HAPPY HOMESCHOOLING DAY

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:45:00 -0500

My lovable son, D., who was diagnosed with Asperger's last year has struggled for years with communication and social deficits. He recently told me, "I hate all kids and don't have to be bothered with any of them." My heart hurt when he said this, because I know that by nature my son is sweet, caring, and very socially interested; he has simply had difficulty with his attempts at making friends. When he said this, I told him I understood how hurt he was because of past experiences, but I wanted him to continue to hold on to what I told him a few years ago (that God would send him a friend).

Well, it was a beautiful day here in the Big City, kind of cool, but still a beautiful partly sunny day. I took my son to the park, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. He started to play with another boy and was having a great time, but the boy had to leave along with the other children he had come to the park with. I proceeded to go into the park district building to find out the availability of spring classes for my boy; I left him outside playing for a few minutes on the sliding board.

When I returned from my short errand, I saw a boy sitting with his mom on a park bench. I almost passed them by but decided to sit on the end of their bench. I spoke to the mom and her 13-year-old son. The mom told me she also had a 9-year-old son (same age as my boy). We began to talk, and we discovered that both our children were diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, mine with an articulation disorder, and cognitive giftedness along with Asperger's--her son with ADHD and bipolar along with his diagnosis of Asperger's. We also discovered that my son and hers had started to play together. Later my son told me he asked her son if he wanted to play; they began to play and her son told mine, "I'm different from you. I'm Jewish." My boy responded, "That's okay. Jewish people believe in God." After that, they got along famously.

Since that time, we have met at the park on two separate occasions for a play date, and we also have had dinner with our new acquaintances. The mom told me that she has six children, four are older and do not live with her--but the two youngest ones, the 13 year old and the 9 year old live with her. This Jewish mother shared with me that she had been homeless for seven years and only recently (September 2008) had become housed through a housing program.

She and I both agreed that divine providence brought us and our children together. God is awesome, and my son's faith in Him has been strengthened. This was certainly a happy homeschooling day for my son and me.

Shalom.

HOUSING PROGRAM

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 20:51:00 -0500

My son and I have been homeless for almost a year. How I would love to "home school" in my own home once again. Well, this may happen sooner than I thought it would. Today, I was accepted into a housing program here in the "Big City." The program is based where I live, and my prayer to stay here in the city has been answered by my Lord and my God.

Being accepted into the program is the first step. This Thursday, April 9, I will attend an orientation and find out how the program works. After that, I will be on the road to finding an apartment and climbing out of the vortex of homelessness. My experience with homelessness has taught me that many people believe that all of the homeless are mentally ill, drug users/abusers, or cognitively impaired--but I have found that this is not always true. My late mother used to have a plaque on her living room wall that stated, "Grant that I may not criticize my neighbor 'til I have walked a mile in his shoes." I've walked that mile now, and although it has been a most difficult one, it has taught me much. For several years, I have had the desire to have a home with a spare room for a mother and child who need somewhere to live until they can thrive on their own; I've also had thoughts about running a shelter for women and children. From my experience of being in two shelters over the last year, I have learned what to do and what not to do, how to treat human beings with dignity although they have fallen upon hard times, and how to reach out to the hurting. Perhaps, I was destined to live in a shelter for a long time, so I can fulfill what God would have me to do based upon firsthand knowledge.

I am now thinking of creative/alternative ways to make money--such as tutoring children, becoming a licensed home daycare provider, so I can continue to homeschool my son. Also, another option is now available to me--working part time outside of my home and working part time inside my home--half and half make a whole.

I certainly don't know what my future holds, but the One who holds my future loves me, mine, and everyone--maximally and magnanimously.

GOD DOES SPEAK!

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 18:53:00 -0500

Today, a woman who most would consider to be mentally ill told me to "take the cotton out of your ears, be quiet, and listen" to God. She also told me she was praying for me, that I used to do a lot of spirtual warfare, and that I would soon be back to myself. This woman is a Christian and prays everyday, because I hear her in the homeless shelter where my son and I live.

She will be gone soon, because she needs more supervision than she gets at the shelter. However, she has spoken truth to me and several other people at the homeless shelter. God speaks through whomever He chooses to speak through; if He spoke through an "ass" in the Bible, He can speak through flawed human beings today.

God has spoken to me a lot lately about my son, about how much He loves D. and me, and how doing "all that He told me to do" will result in a speedy deliverance from my current situation. Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Have a blessed homeschool lifestyle each and every day.

HOMESCHOOLING THROUGH TRYING TIMES

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:58:00 -0500

Yes, my son and I are still living in a homeless shelter. Today, we went to the Pediatric Development Center for an appointment with the chief psychologist to clarify my boy's diagnosis. On days when he has therapy/other appointments, we usually don't do a lot of work, so yesterday evening we did some to get a little ahead of the game.

We're currently reading a biography entitled, "Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady." It is written for 8 to 12 year olds. We also finished reading a wonderful book about Negro League baseball. Right now, we are both at the library using computers--me for blogging, him for a game (probably Club Penguin).

We'll have a place to live other than the shelter soon; I know it, because God is faithful. Pray for me that I keep the faith.

RETURN TO HOMESCHOOLING

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:10:00 -0500

My life has changed drastically since I began homeschooling. When I started out I lived on the south side of a huge city in a rented coachhouse. Currently, I live in a homeless shelter in the same big city, but on the far north side. This is the second shelter we have lived in; we stayed for about 9 months in the first one and we have lived for a little over a month in the second one.

D., my precious son, attended public school for about two months this year, and it broke my heart to have to send him there; my case manager at the first shelter insisted on it, so I could look for steady employment which would lead to permanent housing. My son's IEP was written in June 2008 for the 2008-2009 school year. The school counselor was wonderful; he sent my son to a cross-categorical 4-week summer program for children with special needs. There were only 4 children in the summer program, a teacher, and someone to assist the teacher. This program was to help my son become acclimated to a classroom setting, to help with his speech, pragmatics, articulation, pitch, etc. Both I and my son loved the program.

The counselor and I agreed that my son would need help with transitioning to public school. Therefore, he was to have one-on-one paraprofessional support (also known as a one-on-one aide) to help him with transitions, executive functions, social network navigation, etc. (A diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome means huge social deficits).

On the Friday before school began, I decided to stop by the school to see if all was well, if my son's aide was in place, to show my boy around the new school etc. Lo and behold, there was a new school counselor and a new school principal. The new counselor told me that the previous counselor and the previous princiapal had failed to complete the required paperwork to request a one-on-one aide. Therefore, no one would be available to help him on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, when he was to begin school. I told them I would be happy to serve as my child's assistant until they provided one for him. However, when my boy and I went to school on September 2, they had pulled an aide from the Special Education classroom to work with him on a temporary basis, until they could get a permanent aide for him.

I visited the 'mainstream" general education teacher on the first day of school, and she told me how long she had been teaching, what a great teacher she was, how all the children who had been in her classes were taught well, etc. So much for the Bible's instructions, "Let another man give thee thy praise and not thy own lips." This teacher had taught 7th and 8th grade during the 2007--2008 school year, but here she was for the 2008--2009, about to return to teaching 3rd grade. She talked a lot about her personal problems, her educational background, and how much she had suffered as an African American teacher at the school. She knew little about Asperger's and wasn't interested. Once she told me that my son's behaviors were attributable to his only child status. I let her know kindly, but firmly, that she was uninformed.

After my son was at the school for two months, I pulled him out of the school and returned to homeschooling. He was bullied, teased, and sexually propositioned at the school. Fortunately, he was not beat up or molested by another child. On January 23, 2009, my son and I had to move to yet another shelter. Our time was up at the first shelter; in addition to this, an adult client at the first shelter verbally assaulted my son due to a conflict between my son, D., and her daughter, and I had to protect him.

Please pray for me and D., my son. Jesus is still Lord and God is still a deliverer. I know that he will give me a job, housing, etc., while still allowing me to homeschool D., as it is what is best for D. I have found a program for David that will allow him to improve his social skills in a safe environment. Also, pray that God will bless me with the finances to enroll my son in this program. Then, I can work part time.

Thank you for your prayers and for reading my blog.

AWESOME GOD AND SON'S DIAGNOSES

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:20:00 -0600

Well, the evaluation process for my son has been going on since July 2007, and it looks as if the saga will continue for awhile. As stated before, my son's diagnoses from the renowned children's hospital was "cognitively gifted"; socially immature; articulation disorder; needing help with stimulation and overstimulation; and needing help with managing an intense temperament. Although I brought him in stating that I thought he had ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome, after a lengthy evaluation, the physician stated he could not have Asperger's, because he was too socially connected.

She recommended a full global evalaution which was done through our neighborhood school. My boy is now receiving 30 minutes of speech therapy per week through the school for articulation; the therapy is not addressing pragmatics or prosody; in between sessions, I work with him at home. I was also given 60 minutes each month to consult with an occupational therapist regarding his sensory processing challenges. He needs so much more, and I have been asking the Father to provide a way for him to get one-on-one occupational therapy for sensory integration dysfunction.

We returned to the renowned children's hospital on Monday, February 11. Initially, the developmental pediatrician had said my son did not have Asperger's syndrome, but on Monday, she said she had misjudged some symptoms manifested in his speech and pragmatics, the severity of his sensory issues, his inability to connect with other children socially, although he has a strong desire to do so. She consulted with a senior developmental pediatrician who spent some time evaluating my son and later speaking with me. They both said my son is very complicated, as he did not fit neatly into the box of a typical child with Asperger's Syndrome--yet his symptoms and characteristics are best described as Asperger's Syndrome. One of the pediatricians talked about the incredible strengths my son has and how well he will do with the right therapies. This developmental pediatrician has a daughter with Asperger's, so he understood much from firsthand experience and was wonderful in answering my questions and sharing his wisdom and insight. Also, they referred me to some other resources that will provide more speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills classes, and other services my son needs.

I praise God's holy name, and every time I start to feel sad because of my son's diagnosis, I think about other children on the autistic spectrum who cannot speak, who are mentally retarded, who are cognitively impaired, and it helps me to put things into their proper perspective. I have been concerned about whether or not my son will be able to function in the world when he grows up, and the answer is a resounding "yes" in my spirit. With God, all things are possible. He is a healer, He is a deliverer, He is a sustainer, and I will allow Him to be all those things to me and so much more. He will minister to me, as I minister to my boy and teach my boy to trust in God, as God is teaching me to trust in Him for all things.

Ms. Phyllis

NEW BEGINNINGS!

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:13:00 -0600

God is awesome! The number "8" in the Bible represents new beginnnings and resurrection power. My heart, mind, and spirit are filled and overflowing with great expectations for this new year.

Before the Christmas holiday, I was offered a customer service work-at-home position which I gladly accepted. Also, on January 14, I started a full-time online medical transcription program which is fully paid for via Financial Aid. I will complete this program around November 2008, and then I will finish the task of completing my degree in English/Communications via an online program.

Also, my son's homeschooling is going well. We joined a secular homeschool support group earlier this month; the next day, we attended a Christian homeschool support group meeting. I was extremely excited, as I thought the Christian group would be the answer to my prayers. However, it was a highly disappointing experience for my son as well as myself.

So for now, we are going to take full advantage of all that the secular group has to offer. I still have thoughts of starting a Christian group that meets in the city and has activities in the city, but the Lord has not opened that door yet.

This past Thursday, my son and I went to the Chicago Children's Museum, and my boy had a ball "digging for dinosaur bones," climbing, "driving" the emergency ambulance, etc. In his words, "I had a great day!"

Everything I wanted to do in the past is now being done, i.e., being home with my son, homeschooling, working from home, and continuing my education. There is a time and a season for everything, and this is the appointed time and season. Glory to God!

Ms. Phyllis

LONG TIME, NO BLOG

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:10:00 -0500

Today, I realized that I had virtually abandoned my blog, as I had not blogged since June 19, 2007. Four months is a long time between blogs, and so much has transpired.

I'm still homeschooling, and my son who I thought might have ADHD along with Asperger's syndrome (high functioning autism); however he was evaluated at a renowned children's hospital and has received a totally different diagnosis. He, at this time, has not been diagnosed with ADHD and does not have Asperger's syndrome but has been diagnosed as "cognitively gifted" with a few challenges. Although he is gifted, he is socially immature along with needing more speech therapy; needing help to deal with stimulation and overstimulation due to sensory integration issues; and also needing help to manage an "intense temperament." Some would call him a twice exceptional child, meaning that he is cognitively gifted along with some type of challenge(s). However, I call him D.--perfectly and wonderfully D.

I will blog again soon regarding my son, his evaluation, and the challenges both he and I are facing. I just had to blog a bit, because I missed blogging and will try not to stay away so long.

Ms. Phyllis

FATHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS: "THE SMARTEST MAN I'VE EVER KNOWN"

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:40:00 -0500

Father's Day always causes me to ruminate and reminisce about my late father, Robert Smith, Jr. On Sunday, June 17, 2007, I wrote down some reflections on my late father which I would like to share with my fellow homeschoolers. It is because of him that I know learning can definitely take place outside of a classroom. The rough draft of the piece I wrote about Robert Smith, Jr. is below:

"The Smartest Man I've Ever Known"

Robert Smith, Jr. was my Daddy. When I was growing up, he was the only one I knew personally who did not have a middle name. Sometimes I wondered if that bothered him, but I never asked. If it did bother him, I did not want to risk hurting his feelings. He was born on March 19, 1922 in Malvern, Arkansas and passed away in 1990. If he were living, he would be 85 years old. Sometimes my heart still aches for him.

Robert Smith, Jr., or Robert Jr., as his siblings sometimes called him was the most intelligent man I have ever known. I speak of innate intelligence as he did not have a formal education. He did not finish high school, as his mother passed away when he was 16, and he went to the army so he could send money back home to help his four siblings and his father. My Daddy also wanted to escape from the racism in Malvern, Arkansas and once told me that after he had returned from the army to see his father and siblings, he never had the desire to return to Malvern--and he never did.

Although my Daddy did not have a formal education, he was constantly learning, constantly reading, constantly observing, etc. Often people would ask him which college he graduated from. When he replied, "None," they would be astounded. He was a true autodidact. I often wondered, too, how he lost his southern accent. Perhaps, he practiced voice and articulation or studied and mimicked the accents of those around him once he moved to Detroit, Michigan and later to Cleveland, Ohio. I will never know the answer to that question either as I never asked him. At the time, it did not seem important to me. I just knew that he constantly emphasized the importance of speaking correct English to me as well as my siblings. I am very thankful to him for doing that; it has served me well throughout my 47 years of living..

I remember my Daddy as being quietly strong. He didn't have a lot to say, but when he spoke, his voice made me want to listen. I also remember him being a great storyteller, and there were numerous occasions when I sat on his lap and implored him, "Daddy, tell me about when you were young." Sometimes he would repeat a story to me about being, "the best dressed boy in Malvern, Arkansas." Other times he would tell me about people he met in France when he served as a sergeant in World War II. He would throw in some French for good measure. He was creative, intelligent, educated in the truest sense of the word, spontaneous at times, and "the smartest man I have ever known."

He did not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior, until he was in his 50s. I remember him telling me before he became very ill and could no longer speak that he prayed for "all of you every day" (his adult children). He passed away at the age of 68--much too young. I often wonder what he would be like at the age of 85, and it saddens me to this very day, that my 7-year-old son will never meet Grandpa Robert. However, I do tell my son about my Daddy, "the smartest man that I've ever known." I have worked for executives, physicians, presidents of universities, etc., and for me, my Daddy remains the most intelligent and wisest of them all.

I hope you enjoyed reading my reflections.

Ms. Phyllis

I WON!!! WHAT A BLESSING!

Sun, 27 May 2007 23:09:00 -0500

On May 2, 2007, I was informed via e-mail that I had won 50 Gold Stars from a Home School Inc. raffle that I had entered. I haven't blogged for a long time. I've been very busy, trying times, etc., but I want to blog about the blessing.

I used to say I never won anything, but my tune has changed. I won 50 Gold Stars, and this entitled me to $50 worth of free discounted homeschooling curricula via Home School Inc. This is and was exciting.

After briefly basking in the winner's glow, I promptly ordered $50 worth of Christian Liberty Press books including the following:

1) Adventures in Phonics (Level A)

2) Adventures in Phonics (Level B)

3) Adventures in Phonics (Level C)

4) Noah Webster's Reading Handbook

5) Christian Liberty Nature Reader

6) Lessons from the Farmyard (stories with moral and character lessons)

7) Christian Liberty Phonics Reader Set

Although I won my Gold Stars almost a month ago, I had to share this with all of you. It is more than exciting for me, because it speaks of God's provision. I was wishing and hoping that I could buy some more books for my son as he loves having his own books. This motivates and encourges him. I had already decided that we would be homeschooling straight through August.

It weighed heavily on my mind how I could purchase additional curricula for him. Time4Learning, the interactive learning website, is fantastic. However, we needed more books. I never thought about the computerized raffle after I entered it, but lo and behold, on May 2, I received the 50 Gold Star e-mail. We received our new books in about a week, and my son loves them, is excited, and was extremely pleased that he received such a blessing. More importantly, he acknowledged and thanked God for the great blessing.

God is awesome. He does take care of the husbandless and the fatherless. A thoughtful Father, my God is; he is and full of surprises too.

Never lose faith. He is most definitely Jehovah-Jireh, my and your provider.

Ms. Phyllis

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Sun, 8 Apr 2007 11:49:00 -0500

It's Resurrection Sunday, and I'm not at church. There are many reasons as to why, but I'm here at home preparing a special dinner. I don't refer to this as Easter but as Resurrection Sunday; in my research about the origins of Easter, I found no reference to Jesus, the anointed One.

Regarding homeschooling, it has become increasingly challenging. There are times when my "school at home" method of homeschooling has temporarily taken a turn into the child-led learning, unschooling path. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, my son is learning much and is steadily advancing with first grade phonics and reading comprehension. I fully expect and suspect that by the end of August 2007, he will be reading at third grade level.

A blessed Resurrection Sunday to each of you, and I solicit the prayers of the righteous among you for me as a single parent homeschooler, for my son, for all God's people, and for the world at large.

Jesus is, has always been, and will never cease to be Lord!!!

Ms. Phyllis

SECULAR SUPPORT GROUP EXPERIENCE

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:48:00 -0600

My son and I attended our first homeschool support group meeting on Friday, February 2. Unfortunately, we were given an incorrect address and literally walked in circles in about 5 degree above zero weather. After walking for about 15 minutes, I was ready to surrender and go home. My boy, however, kept prompting me on and saying, "We'll find it ma." He also said he wasn't cold as he was properly clothed for the weather. We finally found the library, although the address was different from the one we had been given. We were about half an hour late; fortunately, the meeting hadn't started yet.

Overall, the experience was a good one. All the members were seasoned homeschoolers and welcomed us very warmly. The children impressed me as they were the most well behaved children I had ever seen. The group has some longevity too; they've been meeting since 1996.

The parents asked if I had any concerns and answered all my questions. While the adults were meeting, the children were in an adjacent room. Initially, my boy sat with me, but I encouraged him to visit with the other children. He wasn't enthused about this. Most of the children were older than him, and he later told me that he didn't want to be friends with those "library kids." When I asked him why, his response was that being there was no fun. He expected physical activities, and I have since discovered that there are some that take place in between the monthly meetings. Additionally, I was told that there are families with children his age, but they are just taking a "winter break." We're going to attend some of the gym classes and other activities before the next monthly meeting.

I am grateful to the Lord for finding this group, but I am still praying for a Christian group that meets in the city on a regular basis. Pray with and for me.

Ms. Phyllis

HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT GROUP BLESSINGS

Thu, 1 Feb 2007 19:08:00 -0600

I live in a big city; however, homeschool support groups here are paltry. Virtually all of the on site support group meetings are in the 'burbs, and those urbanites who can't make it to the suburbs because their only means to get there is public transportation often can't make it to these meetings.

Before I began "authentic" homeschooling, my child attended a virtual school for a short time, and there were many single parents whose children were attending this school. (By the way, there were also many two-parent homeschooling families who chose the virtual school for the free curriculum.) I, for one, have changed my stance regarding the virtual schools; they are not homeschools, but are very much "public school at home." The virtual school option did not work for me or my son. Very early on, I thought it was working, but a short time later realized that it was not. Their requirements were stringent and demanding, and I spoke with parents who admitted that they lied on the log in sheets about teaching their child(ren) the required five hours per day. Additionally, my son was beginning to lose his love for learning, and I could not allow that to happen.

I consider the work that all homeschooling parents do to be a special ministry to their children. Homeschooling single parents have special challenges, but with added support, they can meet those challenges. Most of them are not stay-at-home moms but work inside or outside of their homes every day and still find time to teach their children at home.

I met one single mother who wanted to teach her daughter at home but had to work; therefore, her sister, who was not working, taught the child at home via a virtual school. Some single parents don't believe they can teach their children at home without the support of virtual schools. I don't think this parent ever thought about her sister teaching the child at home without virtual school assistance; at the time I met her, neither did I think that I, as a single parent, could teach my child without the support of the virtual school.

However, I would like to share with single parents that homeschooling their children by the grace of God is possible. Some parents are simply unsure of their ability to homeschool without added support; I felt this way too. Others think they have to have a fancy curriulum; I have discovered that homeshooling can be done on a very small budget, and as I continue to teach my son, my faith in what God can do in and through me is building; I am capable of teaching my son by the grace of God. He is learning at a phenomenal rate and is enjoying it immensely.

Once my newly formed online support group is well established, I will begin a Christian Homeschool Support Group in my city. The online support I have received has helped me tremendously, and many of my questions have been answered. I would like to give back to the homeschool community by supporting and encouraging others.

Homeschoolers who have access to groups and meetings close to your communities, please know that you are blessed, and remember the orphans, the widows, the divorced mothers (many not by their own choosing), the single mothers, and the fatherless in your prayers. Pray that God would strengthen them throughout their homeschooling journey.

Ms. Phyllis

AIN'T BLOGGIN' LIKE I USED TO

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:23:00 -0600

It's hard to find time to blog now. I've been extremely busy with working at home, following through on the admissions process so I can return to school, homeschooling, raising my son, etc. It's hard to fit blogging into the schedule, but that's okay too. I have decided that I will only blog when the Holy Spirit tells me there is something He wants me to share with others.

I wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know that all homeschoolers are in my thoughts and prayers. It's not an easy road to travel, but we will make it by His grace, His glory, and our diligence in following through on His instructions to us.

Ms. Phyllis