Dear Considering Homeschooling Moms, Help Wanted

July 4, 2002

Greetings! I am back from my month-long vacation with the kids to my parents’ home in New Jersey. I visited many loved ones, but living in a non-Christian home becomes oppressive fast.

For example, when I announced I am carrying a third child, due in February – my mom, upon hearing the news, uttered ugly words and would not speak to me. The next day, she broke her silence, explaining, “I can’t imagine how you spend all day staying home with children!” Having been a working mom, she thinks staying home is an utter waste of my time and talent. She is also appalled that my husband and I have to live a lean life in order for me to stay home. I didn’t get married until 32, so I’ve had my share of interesting jobs – I was a schedule director for a state senator, an advertising writer, an assistant manager of a law firm, and a college instructor, to name a few.

I loved to work – and the money and prestige that came with it, but when I looked into the eyes of my first baby, I knew that God meant for parents to sacrifice to bring him up in the Lord. And, if one strives for a Christ-centered, organized home, (turning off the TV and having daily spiritual, household and educational goals) staying home is interesting and joyful. I was not abused as a child, and my parents tried to give me good things, but my memories are of the daily chaos of being shuttled off to a babysitter or day care, and of being surrounded all day by those who did not love me.

Giving up my job means we live paycheck to paycheck and we don’t have savings and investments. But, we believe in investing our hearts and energy into the Kingdom by way of our children’s upbringing and by getting involved in taking back this country for the Lord. I wouldn’t risk my children’s souls for money or approval. The question is – where is the real treasure? And – what is a child? Is he an mere random product of evolution, an animal that doesn’t deserve to be invested in, or is he a child of the King, with a divine purpose?

I know most of you face those same challenges with your family and finances. I hope Considering Homeschooling can help encourage you.

Help Wanted – I am looking for volunteers to assist with some small tasks in Considering Homeschooling. As a mom of a preschooler, a toddler and a baby in the womb, I can’t always make good on my intentions of getting meeting flyers out on time, etc. when there are other tasks to do. But, if several of us do a little bit, the work will get done, kind of like ants moving a big crumb. For example, we have excellent field trips now due to Vicki and Robin taking on that task. Here are some jobs that need volunteers:
*Speaker Finder – I really need help finding speakers for our monthly meetings. I want to have the best speakers possible. We seek to have a different experienced homeschool mom or another related homeschool speaker at our monthly night meetings – we seek those who fit our Biblical Christian vision. I have some leads, but they need to be called or emailed.

*Couples Events Coordinator – Several of you have been asking to have more events where the husbands can participate, meeting each other and getting educated on homeschooling. If someone would organize an event like this, say once a month or once every other month, that would be great.

*Publicity – Right now, we’ve had to drop the Christian Times ad until we raise more funds. We are still continuing the Marketplace ad. Still, I know there are so many Christian women out there that would love to find a group of ladies considering homeschooling to fellowship with. We could be reaching ladies for free -- through putting flyers at MOPS groups, churches, etc.

*Park Day Coordinators – A few people have asked that if they start a Considering Homeschooling park day at a park near them, if I would let people know. Sure – just let me know the details, and I will include them in the emails and mailings. I just ask that the groups be conservative Christian groups. There are always non-Christian homeschoolers looking to hang out, but they can have an adverse influence on the group.

If you volunteer, you are not obligated for any length of time – you can get out of the job at any time. We are an informal group and I realize that Considering Homeschooling is a temporary stopping place for many of you – some stay for an event or two, while some may stay for years. Some find another support group that better meets their needs or as their needs change. Or, they meet friends and start their own private play day. Maybe some ISPs will even form out of this group. I say, “great!” My purpose is not to build up a big group, but to meet the needs of each mom considering homeschooling. Some may only want to receive email info, while some may decide not to homeschool and drop off the list (let me know if you want off the email/mailing list, by the way – I won’t be hurt in the least – I want to make sure that I am sending things to those who find it relevant).

Shepherding a Child’s Heart – is a book by Tedd Tripp on Biblical discipline that my husband and I are reading. We find it a fascinating book and each chapter has discussion questions. We are thinking of hosting a weekly night to go through this book with other couples. It would help us apply what we are learning. Are any couples interested in this? If so, email me.

Happy Independence Day! May God help America!

In Jesus,

Kathy Lowers, Coordinator for Considering Homeschooling

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