School Time!

For the last several years I have really dreaded my oldest daughter, Kinley, turning five.  I knew the day she turned five I would be sending her off to school.  I knew I would definitely be needing that box of tissues for the first day of school. 

A few months ago God put homeschooling on our family's heart and we have been headed that direction every day since.  Planning, rearranging, and gearing up for our first school year.  God laid it on our hearts so we are being obedient.  Not everyone agrees, but there is a peace in my heart that surpasses understanding.  Needless to say I am not dealing with the same feelings that many other parents are feeling this weekend.  For most, they will send their baby off to their first day of school.  I still remember my first day of school thanks to my parents and pictures.  I had my hair in pigtails, a gingham red and white shirt, and I was sporting the most famous Popples backpack!  Of course, I can't forget that big smile on my face!  I started thinking about all of this and I felt a bit of sadness in my heart.  There is a lot of excitement that goes into the preparation for that first day of school, and a part of me feels like Kinley might be missing out a bit!  Laying out the school clothes, packing our first day's lunch, and meeting the teacher are all things for a little Kindergartner to get excited about.  Instead we might still be in or pajamas at 10:00am.  That is not so bad is it!? 

I am excited about our school year.  I am just feeling a rush of different emotions and I am sure that is normal.  There is a peace when you know you are doing what you are supposed to be doing.  The school room is all set up with their little desks, the curriculum I have picked out, and all the other materials and decorations.  Tonight we will go to a kick off party for a local homeschool group to meet some new people and start this journey. 

God is faithful and I know he has a great year in store.  I see us learning about him everyday and putting ministry into practice by helping our neighbors, family and friends.  My hope is that my girls, Kinley and Karsyn, will see God in a whole new way and learn how to serve others.  I am sure they will get their daily dose of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic too!