This is a song about my exact feelings about my decision to homeschool. Its something I have been considering for a few years.
Now that Charlie is school aged and suppose to be starting Kindergarten the pressure has been turned up, whether to follow that homeschool dream or send him to school. A part of the song mentions how everyone is so happy on the island and going along with their roles so why not just go along.
We moved into our home here in Saratoga Springs, which I haven't talked about yet... but we live right across the street from an elementary school. Despite my love and excitement for teaching my children at home, I thought I would just send Charlie to school...for the convenience.
Since we had moved I hadn't done our JOY school with the kids. Charlie asked me when we would start it again. Life was just felt a bit overwhelming at first with the recent move so I pushed it off. But once I started feeling comfortable and more settled my mind started thinking homeschooling again. My love for the idea grew and grew. My research, reading, and praying increased about the matter.
I decided to go tour the school across the street. I prayed before hand for a clear answer if Charlie should go to school there. I prayed that Charlie and I might feel the same answer. I prayed that my mind and heart would be open and receive direction.
We took a short walk to the school. We entered those big doors into the unknown. It was quiet, a teacher training day. We started roaming the halls when a man popped out of a room and introduced himself as the principle. A very nice man. He offered to show us around and answer my questions. As we parted and said our goodbyes it was clear to me. The school was nice and lovely but I knew I was meant to teach my children at home. I turned to Charlie asking what he thought. He replied, "I don't want to go to school there". So it was unanimous. The rest of the day I was walking on clouds. Brimmed with joy! I take that feeling as a confirmation from the spirit that I am doing exactly the right thing for my family. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. It gives me confidence when life choices seem so difficult. Now my job will be to remember this feeling when times are tough.
This choice hasn't been easy. I have had much anguish about it. But when I attended Women's Conference and Elder Eyring said, "God is not as much concerned about our peace but in our upward progress" I felt he was talking to me. I did receive an answer from God and I will trust in that.
Thanks for posting this. I've been quietly following your blog for a while. I think I found the link on Facebook and added it to my blog list. No clue if you remember me, but we were Rockbrook Counselors together practically a million years ago :).
ReplyDeleteI've loved reading about your family and about your journey. So many of your questions/struggles are familiar to me. This homeschool one is a huge one right now in my life. My Thaddeus just turned 5 and I'm wrestling with the idea of what to do with his schooling this next year. I love the idea of praying then walking through the school. We might have to give that a try. You give me hope that an answer is out there somewhere. I hope you'll post more about your journey as you research more and make decisions.
~Natalie
Natalie- you are so sweet, of coarse I remember you! Those Rockbrook days are ones never to be forgotten!
ReplyDeleteHomeschooling is a huge decision to make and it's a hard one. I know as you seek out what to do you will be led to what is best for your family.
A great resources that has inspired me is: the read aloud revival (there is a website and a podcast channel) it is about reading aloud to your kids but she homeschools too and so that comes up a lot. I've have gained a lot of confidence through listening to her.
I'm so glad you shared a comment. I love when I hear others are considering homeschooling or doing it. It helps to know I'm not alone. Good luck to you! I'll try to share more homeschooling stuff in the future ��