Oh Glorious Day...our box arrived!!!

tiffanieh · Post by **tiffanieh** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:15 pm

I am blessed.

I am so blessed to serve such a mighty God that knows before me, always, what is best for me and my family. Always before I realize it.

I got my box and I am so grateful for this curriculum. If you wouldn't mind (and if you have a few minutes) I'd like to share the ride with you that I've been on to get me to this spot.

When I was in college, I dabbled with the idea of becoming a teacher. But everyone discouraged me from going in that direction. Ever since I was little I never wanted to play with dolls, or barbies, it was always "school" that I wanted to do. Alas, though, I listened to the "others" in my life and chose a different profession. Fast forward to two years ago and I dabbled a bit with "homeschooling" my two preschoolers. I made the major mistake of trying to emulate what I knew to be "school" and forced long hours of sitting at a desk doing workbook pages, etc.. This equalled bored children, frustrated mommy and bad taste in my mouth over homeschooling.

Thus children were then enrolled in our church's private school for kindergarten and preschool respectively. The school year went "OK" but I was growing more and more frustrated over the lack of family time, the amount of homework I was TEACHING myself and the ugliness I would see from other kids that my kids were subjected to each day. But still, homeschooling wasn't an option for ME, maybe for those other moms, but not ME, nope been there done that wouldn't do THAT again. HA, little did I know that God always knows what's best for me.

Fast forward again to about two months ago...the Lord would awaken me in the night with my son's education on his mind. I would quietly listen, awaiting instruction, praying heavily all the while. Every time I would ask, He would answer. I began to pray "Lord, I really don't want to homeschool, it was a horrible experience and if this is truly what you want for me, please make it so appearant, and truly change my heart"....

so in my quest for answers I found this "school" that partners with parents to equally educate your child. Your child would go to school two days per week and then you would homeschool him the same curriculum that they chose the other three days out of the week. I thought this sounded perfect...I wouldn't be blindly leading my child down the wrong path, someone else would carefully lay out EXACTLY what I was supposed to teach on each day, the amount of time for each subject, etc... THEN I WENT TO THE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE. I started to really fully understand the beauty of homeschooling, to get out of the rat race, to find curriculum that is tailored to MY child's needs. And I started to wonder, "how am I going to accomplish THAT if someone else is picking out my curriculum for me?" But without jumping to conclusions I decided to go to the different vendors to see the curriculum that this school uses.

I made it to the first table for phonics. Then the waterworks opened. I was balling. THIS was definitely NOT the phonics program that neither I could be excited about teaching, nor would my child be interested in learning from. I quickly prayed right then and there "Lord, I know you are leading me SOMEWHERE, and it's definitely not here, what are you trying to teach me???"

I left that conference not know what in the world I was going to do, but I was determined to find the perfect curriculum for my son, not the other way around. I don't want my child to "fit" in someone elses class, or curriculum, I wanted the curriculum to match his learning style.

For the next week I devoured the internet, talked to as many homeschool moms as I knew to find out what they were doing, considered a few courses, but rejected the majority of them. Until I found Heart of Dakota...

I truly feel like God has delivered me hear. I am so encouraged and excited. I have done a COMPLETE 180 degree change. My heart is so full, my faith is so charged up and I couldn't imagine sending my kids back to the wolves, when everything we need as a family is right here! I am so thankful to this program, and to all you ladies who so graciously answer anyones questions with joy and meaning. Thank you thank you.

I am one homeschool mom who is sooooooo excited about this journey!

If you've made it to the end of this post, thanks for listening!

netpea · Post by **netpea** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:59 pm

Truly amazing is our God! Thank you for sharing this beautiful post.

amysconfections · Post by **amysconfections** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:37 pm

Wonderful post. God really does lead us right where we need to be. You will love HOD. We just did our first day of BLHFHG and I am so impressed with it. I also love to teach but was not excited when I first felt God call me to homeschool. I was also in the trenches with a 2yr old and infant at the time. Then God worked on my heart until I'm thrilled with Homeschooling and can't imagine dropping them off each day. Thankfully I found HOD that we used for Kindergarden and will continue with as long as possible. There are also some great Charlotte Mason books for encouragement out there. PM me if you want them. I just love how Carrie created a Charlotte Mason style curriculum for me!

Amey · Post by **Amey** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:00 pm

Thanks for sharing yoru heart, and your journey with us Tiffanieh. I know God will keep blessing you as you continue to listen to His direction for your family!

Kathleen · Post by **Kathleen** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:01 pm

Tiffanie,

Thanks for sharing your story! I'm so glad that you are excited about teaching and training your kids! I'm sure that you will LOVE your time with them. I know exactly how you feel about finding HOD and seeing how great it will fit for you and your kids...I feel the same way! Have fun going through your new books!!

And you'll have to keep sharing your journey. I really love this group of moms and how encouraging they are!

Kathleen

Melanie · Post by **Melanie** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:33 pm

Thanks for sharing Tiffanie! Beautiful story. You should write that down for your kids to read when they are older.

susie in ms · Post by **susie in ms** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:06 pm

I loved reading your post!! Welcome to HOD, and back to hsing!! It truly can be an exciting adventure!! All 3 of my oldest kiddos have such a love for learning that they gained from hsing. My *least-un*

has began her eagerness to learn too. It is such a delight to watch. Have fun mama!!

Post by **Carrie** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:29 pm

tiffanieh,

Thanks so much for sharing your journey to HOD with us! I'm so glad that you feel at home with HOD and that you are encouraged on your homeschooling journey.

We always pray that those who God desires to use our products are brought to us, so your post is an answer to prayer. I'm so glad tha you found us too!

The Lord does truly know what we need, thank goodness! We pray you will enjoy using our guides with your little ones as much as we have!

Blessings,
Carrie

water2wine · Post by **water2wine** » Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:47 pm

It is exciting to see God's hand in leading us where He would have us go. I do believe that homeschooling is a call from God. So happy that you have heard it and are rejoicing in it. Thanks for sharing your story.