The Education - Part II

I am nervous. A bit apprehensive to share. Why, oh why do I care what you think? Human nature. I ponder at you all who really are able to not care what others think. I want people to like me, to agree with me, to think we are wise in our decisions...but honestly it doesn't matter what you think does it? This decision is between Jason, me, and the Lord.

If you are joining in recently you might want to read the first part of this post from January titled - "The Education" to get some perspective.

We have toured. We have prayed. We have discussed. We have sought advice. I have cried. I have heard opinions from those close to us, and not...

In the previous post I asked for prayer that Jason and I would be like minded in our decision. We are. What JOY that truly brings me. To make a significant decision like this with your spouse to have wrestled with one another...argued...cried...debated...prayed...yet ultimately to end up like minded is such a beautiful thing. I think it can be a rare thing. Reader...when you find yourself wanting it YOUR way, I believe it will be painful. When you want a decision driven by the "us" of your marriage it is peaceful - beautiful - easy.

Caroline will be going to our public school down the street! Sawnee Elementary! We are thrilled. When we went and looked at the school an immediate peace came over us. We met several teachers. Not kidding, every staff member we encountered stopped in the hall, smiled, greeted us...that is rare I think in ANY work environment. Impressive. There were several things that stuck out to us...but overall there was a peace upon us both as we were there. This was the right fit for OUR family.

I have been nervous to say anything because...I think there is a part of me that thinks some of you will think less of me/us for not home schooling. I have been such an advocate of home schooling the past 3 years...I honestly can hardly believe how excited I am about our family decision. I'm not saying we never will...but for next year...we will be in public education.

After deciding this a couple of weeks ago I find myself crying even more (if that is possible)...the untying in this relationship with your children - however appropriate is still difficult. As I was making her lunch last week I began to tear up thinking about NOT eating lunch with her every day. There are a handful of days where we haven't had lunch together...most of them involve me in the hospital birthing another child. Ha! Then at dinner one night she asks about the lunch room at Sawnee. She says that if she doesn't want to eat what they are serving can I just make a lunch for her and send it with her. I tell her yes, of course. I then explain it will be things like sandwiches etc. She then tells me that I could just make the mac-n-cheese and bring it up there to school. - Insert me beginning to cry, trying to mask it - I then explain to her that that isn't really how it works. Tear my heart out!

So. There. It's public. I am not sure if you all really do care where my children go to school...but let me encourage you reader to be open to what the LORD would have for your families...not what YOU would have for them. We will continue to ask Him what He would have for our kids each year...perhaps each semester...but know this...being like minded with Jason trumps any kind of "do it my own way" mentality and just telling Jason this is how we were going to do it. Like that would fly with him anyway.

My take away from this process is how gentle the Lord is in His pruning, leading process. I am so thankful. How is your pruning session going?

*pics from different home school days with our friends over the past 3 years. Everything from puzzles, to story time, to worship...very thankful!