The day I decided to homeschool was probably one of the scariest days of my life.....I mean I already had the responsibility of being their mom, but now I was going to be their teacher, too! What was I thinking? Well, like everything else, I waited until the last minute and right before school started I pulled them out.....and sat in my living room and said... what now?
Four years later, and it was the BEST decision I ever made! Now don't get me wrong, this does not mean that everyday is filled with pure joy and perfectness like a hallmark after school special, because it is far from that! But it does mean that my kids are learning how to love learning and hopefully along the way find their true passion.
The hardest part for me is the stress of society and it's "standards", but as time passes I gain more confidence and realize that "standards" and actual learning are two very different things!
Which brings me to our month stay in Dominica. There is not a book, worksheet or test that could have given my children this "lesson". Seeing another culture, living another culture, helping another culture is a priceless gift of learning that we all as a family had the privilege to experience.
A lesson on being content with the most simple of things. People living in small shacks with corrugated iron walls and roofs, they have the bare necessities and so content, yet in America we have SO much and seem to never be "content" Just happy being alive and able to have food, shelter and water so amazing to see.
A lesson on helping others and not only thinking of ourselves. Sure we could have worked on our tans and spent much more time snorkeling at beaches etc, but to take time to teach dance at the school, help paint and give unconditionally is something my kids will cherish FOREVER.
All though, there are days when I question what the heck am I doing, it is moments like these that give me strength to carry on! It is always hard to go against the grain, but when you do.... WOW how wonderful it feels!
Brenna
