On the first morning of our 3-Day Parent Practicum, our speaker, Erin Barry asked this question. She said finding the answer in July would carry us through the entirety of the upcoming school year.
Erin asked us another question, “When did you know you really believed in this homeschool idea?” For me, this answer came quickly to mind, because I had recently asked my husband how much life insurance we had planned for me—ha!—knowing that I would wish for my husband to continue on with homeschooling our children, even if I could not be around to do it with him and even if it meant he did not work a traditional job again until our youngest child turned eighteen. When I told him why I was asking about life insurance, he totally agreed with me.
Our total agreement has always been a source of confirmation regarding our homeschooling. About four years ago, longtime friends had been talking over several playgroup meet-ups about homeschooling and I remember laughing and saying, “You can homeschool mine, too!” Homeschooling was not even on our radar at that point. We had a different plan altogether. However, while God was moving in my heart, He was moving in my husband’s heart, as well. When I said (something like), “I’m thinking we should homeschool.” He simply said, “Yes.” I never thought he would agree so quickly, but he agreed right away!
Three years into homeschooling, we become more excited all the time. God has not only called us, but He is equipping us. Erin said she was grateful that God has walked their family through doors they did not even know about, and I would say that is how homeschooling has been for us. And we are, oh, so grateful.
I encourage you to find the answer to the first question for your own family; it will carry you through the upcoming school year.
