homeschool... week 1

We are almost done with our first week of school.  This is my first year homeschooling and I was a little unsure (to say the least) of how it would go.  With 5 little ones at home all day, teaching preschool, 1st and 2nd grade, chasing a 3 year old and nursing a baby....I, too, had questioned the wisdom of this decision.  But, I have to say that God has blessed our week and I have been pleasantly surprised.  We have always toyed with the idea of home school, but never taken the leap until now.  The fact that we are only going to be here a year and the fact that the schools leave a bit to be desired certainly played into our decision.  But, honestly, it was more than that.  We wanted to take a year to have our children home with us.  To train and teach the way that we felt God has been leading us.  To see what that would look like in our family.

I can't say that I know at this point, considering it's only been a week.  But I can say that alot of the fear and reservations that I had before have started to subside.  I am seeing that I am capable, though only by God's grace, to teach my children.  I am loving the rewards of seeing them learn every single day.  This week we've learned spelling words and read lots of books. We've done math puzzles and learned a memory verse.  We've prayed for Iraq and Afghanistan and learned about the 7 continents of the world.  We've made bracelets and learned that an egg will float in salt water.  We've colored a viking ship, read about Leif Ericsson, and studied the history of our Pledge.  We've also played outside, visited with friends, gone on walks and worked on chores.  And all that in the past 3 days!

I know that this is painting a prettier picture of homeschooling than may be realistic for the entire year.  But I say all this to say that I have been "encouraged".  God has, in the truest since, given me courage this week.  He's guided us through this first week, and I really needed that.   I have really enjoyed my time with my children and that is about the best thing I can ask for in this adventure.  I want to be able to truly love them and disciple them through this process.  I got a small taste of that this week, and it's really given me hope.  Now, as for next week, we'll see.  But this week, God has given me courage and, by His grace, I'm looking forward to this year with my kids.