Guests who are not accustomed to homeschooling circles almost always remark at how well-behaved and orderly the children are, and how readily they take direction and show respect for those in authority. If you, like me, are used to such things, it doesn't seem like such a big deal. One woman, who had been a teacher in public schools and Sunday schools for over 40 years, was dumbfounded that 80+ children under the direction of about 5 - 7 moms were so cooperative.
After the show, people hung around to talk for twice as long as the show itself. One homeschooling mom commented, "You know, being part of the homeschooling community is like living in a small town in the midst of a big city." I was struck as to the accuracy and insight of that statement. I've been part of many groups, both Christian and secular, and nothing compares to the dynamics of homeschooling families interacting with one another.
The following day I received an email that went out to the Coram Deo Chorus email list. Here is the text:
Hello Dear Coram Deo Parents,
As we are new this year to the choir, I wanted to thank everyone for your gracious inclusion of me and my four children into your circle. My kids are thrilled to have new friends, and a place where they can grow and laugh and learn together with other homeschooled families (this is the 1st year I have homeschooled them). It is challenging for me at times to be the only single parent among you, but I have experienced friendship & acceptance, for which I am grateful.
To most of the students in the Annie production, it is a cute and amusing story of "rags to riches". To our family, this particular play is very close to home, since some of you know that as a single mother, I have recently adopted all four siblings. The pain of loss, the desperate desire to be loved by birthparents, the mixed blessing of adoption, the stigma of being "orphaned", and the longing to be wanted, are all realities that my children have LIVED, not just performed on a stage. It is recent pain for them, and yet they live in joy and gratitude, which is the truest miracle of God's amazing grace over them.
God bless you all for your efforts with your kids (and mine!) They will carry these memories forever, I am sure.
Isn't it amazing, that when parents whose primary goal and desire is to provide a daily context where their professed faith parallels their confessed faith, that they that sow in tears shall reap in joy. May God be pleased to strengthen the bonds and resolve of Christian homeschooling families everywhere.
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As a parent of a child who was in the "Annie" production, I am grateful for that "small town" of homeschool parents. :-)
ReplyDeleteI wondered often throughout the weeks prior to the performances who was enjoying themselves more, the children or the parents?
What a wonderful experience for the children, yes! It was absolutely touching to see the children develop their friendships, greet each other with hugs, encourage each other through frustrations, bring each other notes of encouragement, and develop their characters and confidence for the play!
The parents (and friends of parents) came together in so many unique ways, too! We all had some kind of a helping role...we worked on costumes, props, programs, stage crew, hospitality...or in a live, 8-piece band (which couldn't have sounded more professional!)
Across these last weeks, we (the children and adults) all strengthened our relationships. We made connections. We built a network. And that "big city" got a little smaller.
I was thinking about other, more-professional children's theater organizations in the area. I know that they have make-up artists, costumers and organized stage hands. But, I'm quite confident that the experience we had with our homeschool production of "Annie" could not have been improved upon. We had "heart" behind our production--heart that comes from the common goal of not only wanting the absolute best for our kids...but wanting their absolute best to be to God's glory and pleasure.
Neither the children nor the parents will soon forget this experience. I smile to know that when Andrea Schwartz started this homeschool choir several years ago, God gave her the wisdom to know that the experience would bless the whole family.