Detours, Divertions, Twists...

So, you know when you think you have the path all figured out and are going along just fine until...wham! Things change, take you off guard and you are like - hmmm... Okay God, what's this mean? Well that is sort of what has happened with us the past week in more than one area of life. Now, no need to panic - not anything life shattering or earth shaking, just little diversions and twists that we didn't see.

So, my last post was about Hannah and the BIG decision to enroll her in an on-line school. Well, Monday I began to panic just a bit because I hadn't heard from the school and didn't really know what the deal was. It was a week before classes and we had heard nothing...so I called.

The response I got - she has everything in, she is just on a waiting list until their are openings; shouldn't be a big deal. WHAT??? I didn't realize there was a waiting list and it is a week before the semester starts...but ok. So, based on that conversation - Joel and I began to talk and pray about our "Plan B". We then decided that because Hannah is already doing SO much better being at home, and has really had a positive attitude then keeping her home regardless of the circumstances is really the best option. Yet, in the back of both of our minds, we believed that the on-line school would still come through...

Today is Thursday, still no word from the school. I decided to call again...same response but a little more info, she is 1 of 126 on the waiting list! AHHH! They have until the 27th of this month to see who has a spot and who doesn't and we have no idea where she is on the waiting list. So....we decided to begin implementation of Plan B. We had already started her Bible Course this week that we added on our own. We like the curriculum because it is easy for parents to do and yet challenging for her as well as offering a lot of flexibility.

I still paniced just a bit but after a GREAT conversation with a wonderful friend who not only homeschools but was homeschooled her entire school career - I am encouraged and even EXCITED about this new opportunity....

Twist # 2: Based on the above situation, I am going to have to rethink a little on my subbing. I am still going to sub but will really have to be consistent on only doing 3 days a week so that the other days I can be involved somewhat in Hannah's schooling. I am currently comitted to a long-term sub position that is through the end of January but after that, I will more than likely go to only 3 days a week. We have already had several people offer helpful advice and ideas for homeschooling - all of which we are taking and considering while at the same time realizing that our family is unique and we need to tailor it to what works for US. I say this because should you offer us advice - we welcome it - but please understand that we may or may not use it. We really feel like we need to have a tailored program for HANNAH and her personality and some of the issues she has been facing.

Twist #3: Tyler has also been struggling at school. We were very blessed in Bayfield to have a Special Education teacher that was AMAZING beyond words as well as to be in a District that was top of the line and wonderful. Borger, has not been quite that experience. We have had some issues with the curriculum and methods they are using with Tyler. There have been some communication issues with the teachers (although somewhat better). In addition to this, just this week Tyler told us about some bullying that he is getting. All this adds up to...a very stressed mom and a very concerned dad. Fortunately, there is another smaller school district nearby that Tyler possibly has the option of going to! We have heard that this district is a lot better in their special education and what they can over for Tyler. We are beginning to research this possibility and consider moving him there.

I know some may be wondering so why not send Hannah to this other school district or why not homeschool Tyler and if you are having issues in the school why leave Kestra and Malachi where they are. The answer simply is this: We know that each of our children are unique, learn differently, have different social needs, and react differently to situations. Hannah needs the atmosphere of home and the ability to learn at her pace and be challenged. Tyler is more active, has some unique learning needs and disabilities that we believe a professional teacher can deal with more effectively. As for Kestra and Malachi - they are currently doing GREAT in the school they are in. Kestra is really thriving and overcoming a lot of the learning delays she has had in the past. She is a very social person that thrives on and is challenged by being in class with other students. Malachi is doing well too and we really want to see him learn to take a stand and be a leader among his peers. It is still very much our belief that we need to make decisions based on EACH child and not all of them as a whole...so, yes there is a chance that we will have kids in two different school districts as well as one at home! Ha ha - that just SOUNDS chaotic but then again - that's pretty much the way we roll! LOL

Through all of this, I have really had a peace that God is at work and we are doing the right thing. Yes, it makes me nervous to start homeschooling - much less at the HS level but I know that God is in it and "I can do ALL things through Him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13. Yes, I am more than a little nervous at the thought of pulling Tyler out mid year and switching schools - but again, I believe that God is calling us to at least explore this as an option.

We have had some potential of surprise turns in other areas as well but I will have to delay posting on those until a later date...suffice it to say, God is at work in the Arrington Family and in Borger Tx....I can't WAIT to see what's around the next corner!!!