Looking back on my homeschool journey seems like another lifetime for sure. Let me give you all an update on the kids. All of my children are grown and are about to finish college.
Abigail is in England at Oxford University getting a Master's Degree there. We will go watch her receive the degree in November, and we are excited to get to partake in and see this accomplishment across the pond. Abigail has always been a determined person; once she makes up her mind, she goes after it. I have always admired this about her, since I struggled in my childhood with feeling inadequate. What a great example to all who know her. Her intelligence and drive amaze me, and I wonder how in the world she is related to me? I have said that many times this year when telling others what she is doing, each time I end up crying, for I have never felt or believed myself to be smart. I admire the way she knows who she is and has high standards for her life and who she is with. That is true self-confidence and self-awareness. People my age struggle with these concepts and yet she has obtained them at a young age. Her love for others and life are a special thing to see.What a beautiful gift, that is my Abigail.
Michaela is teaching at one of our local high schools, English as a second language. She received her Mastors Degree at UWF. We are so proud of her. I think she is the first to do that in our family! What an accomplishment! She stuck with the plan she set and stayed the course until she reached her goal. That is Michaela; she sets a goal and stays the course. I love that about her. She goes each day and pours into children who come from different walks of life, all while letting her sweetness shine. To know she is giving encouragement and love to children every day is such a joy; she has always had such a sweet and loving heart. Her kindness and love for others draw people to her; what a gift she has always been. People still tell me how Michaela made them feel loved and that she is the sweetest person they know or have known. Michaela has always had a humility about her, one that I wanted, you see, I do not possess that, and find it so beautiful. I find that humility makes way for you to shine, all while allowing others to shine. The meek shall inherit the earth. What a special gift, well, that is my Michaela.
Samuel is in his last semester at Troy to finish his Bachelor's degree in Risk Management/ Business. He has a great job in Boston for a year and will come home, God willing. Samuel has always been full of energy, full of happiness, and peace. I stand in awe of his self-confidence, you see, I never had much of that growing up, and really did not think I was smart at all. It is so impressive to watch him go after something he wants and accomplish it, his way. He received an internship last summer for a large organization, and he excelled there, receiving a certificate that no one else had received besides him and his friend this past summer. He recently received an opportunity to go to London this summer to attend Lloyd's of London with his university. He will get to see Abigail while he is there, so that will be so cool. He always embraces adventure, never shying away from a challenge. This is one of the things I admire about him. I, too, need a good challenge, and if an adventure is an option, let's go! I am amazed at all of the doors God has opened for my children. He has a full-time job already and is getting prepared for this new chapter in Boston. I have watched him grow into a responsible and loving person. The Bible speaks of pursuing peace and that is what I see him doing in life. What special gifts he has- that is my Samuel.
I am beyond humbled and proud of each one of them. I look back over the memories and the years and contemplate if I did enough, if I poured into them what the Lord wanted me to. I pray daily for them, as my love for them is abundant and never ceases. I long for the days when we all were here in our home, the loudness, the activity all around. It is quiet now, cats sleeping, the only noise is the TV or the water fountain. I LOVED watching my kids grow up I loved being with them; they are my heart. I want to encourage anyone reading this to treasure each moment, each situation, because one day you will wake up and they will have excelled beyond your wildest dreams and all though you will be proud , you will long for them to just be little once again. I enjoy my children now, I enjoy spending time, talking with them, and just hanging out. Homeschooling offered my family many things, some you can measure by the worlds standards such as degrees and jobs and other things such as: laughter, memories, love, and bonding for life. I would not trade this journey for anything. Trust in the Lord and listen to Him. The Lord will never leave you not forsake you.This is something I have found to be true. When I was at my lowest point and had no clue how I could make it, the Lord was, ALWAYS there to help me, to carry me, to support me, to listen to me, to rescue me, to save me, to provide for me. Well that is my Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
