Camp Berea

Every year the women's retreat at Camp Berea is a blessing, and this year was no exception.  It amazes me how God works out all the details to speak truths to our soul when we need it.  To understand what I mean, I must give you a little background.   I have been homeschooling for eight years now.  The past two years, I have not been finding joy in it.  I began to pray and wonder if homeschooling was still something God wanted for our family.  There was no clear sign from him, so I remained still and kept on keeping on.  

Fast forward to Camp Berea.....I registered the day before and ended up being placed in a cabin with three other seasoned ladies.  The first thing I learned about one of them was that she had homeschooled all four of her children up through high school.  Two of them had already graduated college and were out in the work force.  One was  in college still, and the other was a senior in high school.  Sharing late night talks with her and my other bunk mates, I could see that my feelings were not unusual and got some concrete advice as how to 'fix' things.  Because I was a public school teacher, I have a very difficult time with putting that type of schooling under the rug.  My day at home looks very much like their day would if they went to school.  She reminded me that it was ok to drop the regimented schedule and just have fun and play learning games and talk,  talk, talk and read, read and talk some more. 

The other bunk mate and I had something in common as well.  We are both mothers to girls with a chromosome deficiency.  Her and I cried together and laughed together as we shared stories of the joys and struggles of having a child with special needs.  Her daughter is now in her twenties, holds a job and has made it very clear to those around her that she was formed in the image of God with the soul purpose to glorify him....and that they do.  When a doctor stands in a room and tells you that they are shocked at the things your child is doing because they shouldn't be able to do them, all I can say is PRAISE GOD!!!!!  My daughter is a miracle from the Lord and I need to keep that in the front of my mind on those hard days when she is struggling and when I am at a loss as to what to do.

My goal for raising and teaching my children is not to have doctors and lawyers.  It is to raise children who love and serve the Lord.  And for that, he will provide me with what I need.