The Thread That Runs So True--Thanks, Kim!

ReACHE is putting on a play. It begins with two performances tomorrow.  I don't know if you have made plans to attend, or if it is just not in the cards (or budget) for you this year.  But as I sat through one of the first dress rehearsals on Monday, I was struck by overall sense of community and parallels to the Kingdom of God that this event represents.

I watched as a LOT of homeschool students prepared for the big day.  These kids are so impressive.  They have learned lines and cues and expressions.  Some are naturals who like to ham it up, and some are probably very nervous, but they work together to make it all flow.  Some sing and play instruments, and several do this cute little square dance (my boys that are extras thanked me for not encouraging them to try out for those particular parts--they didn't want to have to touch a GIRL'S hand!).

In addition to those on stage, there are SO MANY behind the scenes workers and helpers.  Set builders, soundboard/lighting people, costume/hair/makeup people, the boys counting chairs and taping them in place.  There are parents who have volunteered on many levels, and those who are doing good just to have their children at practice every week.  Each is talented and necessary in their own unique ways.  I'm thinking of one teenager in particular that would never feel comfortable on stage, but he seems to have absolutely blossomed and taken ownership as a stage hand.

Countless hours of preparation and prayer have gone into pulling this off.  When it is all said and done, and the last prop is put away, I am sure that these students will come away better people for having been a part of this.  Maybe other kids in the audience will be inspired to take part in some way in future plays.  Maybe they just need to see that there ARE older homeschooling kids that are funny and talented and THERE.  Maybe YOU need to be reminded of that.  Homeschooling can be a lonely, isolating journey, and having access to events like this can help us remember we are in community here.  We need each other, whether we are out front as teachers or leaders, or more behind the scenes supporters building our own family structures, we each have a place, and every calling is important and necessary.

I hope you can make it to the play.  If not, please keep everyone in your prayers.  This is a very big effort, with many details still yet to be nailed down.  Pray especially for Kim Lepone.  She is the mastermind behind it all, and even if I knew all that she has had to do/plan/organize/ keep straight, I wouldn't have enough time or space to list it all.  This is her baby, so to speak, and it must be some type of calling she has, because otherwise I would think she would have had some type of nervous breakdown by now. She has done an amazing job, and she (and her family) deserve all kinds of shout-outs.

I guess the bottom line is, whether or not you are involved with or even plan to attend the play, what you do is important.  Don't forget that.

Seriously, though, if you are still debating about reserving those tickets, go ahead and do it before someone comes in asking where their pencil is.  You know, the one with the good eraser that was found in between the couch cushions last week but somehow ended up next to the gecko cage yesterday?  Or maybe that kind of daily conversation just happens at my house.  Performances are Thursday at 2:00 and 6:00, and Friday at 6:00 at the Word of Life Church on Lakeland Drive.  Tickets are going fast.


Posted by: C. Miley

Field Trip on November 10th to the Agricultural and Forestry Museum!

Thank you Ashley for planning this field trip!  My kids had a great time.  Colton missed out on going with ReACHE because his Veritas class was going the next day.  His siblings came home and got him super excited about going.  What a great group - 109 is what we had signed up.  What a wonderful testimony of how God is growing homeschooling.

Oh, and Your Girls Are Modest, Too.

My husband has been a student minister for a long time.  Almost as long as we have been married.  We have lived in many places and served in churches of all sizes.  One thing that I have progressively seen is the continual decline in manners and attitudes and morals and behavior in kids/teenagers.  All it takes is a few minutes in the presence of a group of average kids for me to begin to seriously consider packing my family up and moving to some isolated area where my kids won't be negatively influenced.  I know, not very practical or realistic, but still...

That being said, I have had the privilege of hanging out with some of your kids for the last few days.  I've been on a field trip, and a birthday party, and co-op classes, and play practice.  I am so impressed and encouraged by being around your children.  They are silly, but not frivolous.  Confident, but not selfish.  They are polite, but not doormats or wall flowers.  Their Facebook statuses are not consumed with relationship statuses or drama.  You are doing something right, and it is noticeable.  Thank you.

Seriously, thank you.

Posted by: C. Miley