If It's Thursday It Must Be Co-op Day

We belong to a really good co-op.  The moms are sweet and the kids energetic and bright.

We have belonged to this co-op since it began in 1998.  I have been leading the group for about 5 years, I think.  I don't know 'cause I don't keep track.  For most of these years it has been a pleasure to encourage home educating Moms, to pray for them, to help lead the group so that we could meet for 20 weeks a year and have classes, field trips, etc.

I recently informed the group that this will be my last year leading.  We are also not going to return next year.  If you had asked me 6 months ago, I would have said "I'm in for another year."  But the Lord has directed me otherwise and I am sort of in shock.  I am not sad, in fact I am kind of giddy about it!  Isn't that weird?

It's not really.  It's just that the Lord has lead us down some interesting paths since we began home educating in 1994.  The Lord has lead us to a practice of hospitality and encouragement through our church fellowship.  As a family we regularly welcome up to 30 people into our home every Sunday, give or take a few Sundays.  This has been such a blessing to us and we have seen the Lord lead us more in this direction.

One person (me) cannot do it "all."  The administration of the co-op was becoming burdensome to me.  But still I wasn't thinking about not leading, even though Tim and I had spoken of it.  Then one day the Lord just said "It's time" and I had perfect peace about it!

I am looking forward to not having to do paperwork, name tags, membership forms and folders, meetings etc.  I will dearly miss the moms from my group.  I love them.  I will miss getting to talk and encourage new homeschool moms that they "CAN do it!  God will help you!"

Emily graduates this May and then I will have only three students; Rachel, Sarah, and Kyle.  I am hoping to get together with some friends who home educate and go on field trips, and park days and have a book club. I am looking forward to having the Dads be a part of these times as well.

Mostly I am looking forward to time to focus on the things that the Lord has led us to. There are so many good things to be involved with but I am looking forward to being able to do what is best for MY family at this time.

This Thursday however, it is onward and upward.  There is a literature class to teach, many little issues to solve (always) and people to enjoy!

Pray for us as we make this transition over the next ten weeks.