CC Practicum

 For the last few days of Space/Art camps, I headed to Dallas for my CC Practicum.  There were probably 150 parents there to be inspired and equipped for this upcoming school year.  Although I wasn't craving time away from home after having gone to Dallas with Luke the week before, I definitely enjoyed it once I was there.  I think what struck me most was discovering words for some of our motivations for homeschooling  I don't think it was anything the speaker said, other than her encouragement to pray for a "golden nugget" to take with me from the conference.  It is easy for me to think of homeschooling my children for my children - to protect them from the world, to nurture and comfort and guide them in our little safe, joyful home.  But, ultimately, we have chosen to homeschool for the world, and we want to remember that.  Our aim is for them to be well-equipped, wise, confident, compassionate, ambassadors for Christ that will bless others.  Our aim is for them to know what is good, beautiful, true, and praise-worthy deep in their hearts.  Our aim is for them to have eyes open to the needs of the world within and beyond our neighborhood.  Our aim is for them to discover and thrive in interests, hobbies, talents, and passions that God has instilled in them.  Our aim is for them to grow in wisdom in our little nest during these years so that they will be ready to fly!  I'm confident that God calls and equips families for many different school and home routes and that every Christian family wants to equip their little chicks for life in the world.  I'm also confident that God has called us to this route for the foreseeable future, and we cherish it!

In addition to pontificating over big picture homeschool ideas and motivations, I got to scope out books, make plans, and go to La Madeleine as much possible in the course of a 3 day conference.  Good times.