Do I Know You?

I counted.  There are 30 families in our Eifel Homeschool group.  I've met 17 of you.  I feel I know 11 of you.  

Recently, I saw one of our dear homeschool moms... one of the moms I've only met -- but had the privilege of gleaning profound wisdom as a mother and homeschool mom during our brief interactions.  I'm sure she has no idea that her life is an inspiration -- at least not beyond her four walls at home.  But she is.  I spoke with another friend a couple of days later, told her enthusiastically, "You know who I saw?  I got to talk to her for a few minutes, hear a small update," I sighed whimsically, "went away inspired by her... just like the other two times I've spoken with her."  And I wished all over again that I could be this mama's friend.  That she would spend more time with the homeschool moms in our group settings -- I know her wisdom and insights are desperately needed.  (At least I know that I need those insights!)  

Do you know you're needed?  Of course, we all know our mission is to love and serve the people within our four walls first and foremost!  But do you know that the wisdom and experiences of your everyday-ness are exactly what minister to another mom in the trenches?  And I don't mean formal, "Oh, tell me your homemaking and homeschool woes so that I can counsel you and shame you and pour information into your head so that you go home feeling more overwhelmed and inept than ever before."  I mean the kind of ministry that happens naturally in friendships.  The holistic free-flow of give and take where encouragement just happens without it ever being offered as advice but instead through conversations in which we pour (in) courage into one another.  Those conversations when we ask one another questions that cause us to dig deep in search of hard-truth answers.  The ideas for how to be more efficient and organized, (which, for me, translates to cheerful instead of overwhelmed).  The vision for discipleship of our children.  The dream to live fully everyday, grateful, enthusiastic, eager to learn.  

When was the last time you lost sleep over something that so burdened you that you lay awake trying to figure out how you could affect the situation -- how you could make a difference?  Perhaps it was a situation in your marriage or with a child or regarding homeschool.  Maybe it was something in regards to the journey your family or one of your children is on.  Was it a subject that was local or global?  Is it a subject that breaks your heart or excites you?  

And when was the last time you shared that something -- that burden -- with a friend?  Another mom?  Someone who listens and then pours fuel on that passion, that dream?  Someone who knows you?  

To those of you in this homeschool group who I know, THANK YOU a thousand times for sharing your life with me.  You have given me far more than I can tell you.  I am rich because I count you as one of my friends.

To those of you whom I've met but not had the opportunity to get to know... I hope that I get to know you better.  You are a treasure... perhaps just waiting to be discovered.

And to those of you whose names and e-mail addresses are entered in this group but I've never had the privilege of meeting...  Well, sometimes I lay awake at night wondering what kind of beautiful friendships I might be missing out on.  I would love to meet you!

Don't worry, I'm not so unrealistic that I think that every woman I meet is going to be my best friend.  I know myself well enough to know that I'm intense and can be "too much" for people.  But will you give me a chance to listen to you... to your story... to hear your passion and dreams... and to encourage you in your journey?

Can I get to know you?

Blessings,

Sharon Olson

**Inspired by another homeschool mom who opened her home to the entire homeschool group several times, (thank you, Dina!), I am extending an invitation to come have a cuppa' with me here in my home this Monday.  Come anytime between the hours of 1:00 and 3:30.  Our children can play together while we visit, (and, of course, the children are more than welcome to engage in conversation with us moms -- something I'm pretty passionate about!).  I'll put my address on the yahoo group site or you can e-mail me for directions.  My e-mail address is:  olsonls7@msn.com.  

The Legacy of Eifel Homeschool Families

"You mean there's an actual homeschool group?"  This from one of the moms standing across from me.  Self-consciously, I giggle even as I affirm that, yes, indeed, there is an "actual" group.

Another mom asks, "Is there someone leading the group?" 

I smile shy, "Um, that would be me."  Their eyes meet mine.  "And another mom."

What to say.  I'm standing there with my right hand on my heart as though I'm about to pledge allegiance. 

Allegiance is what I committed when I took over leadership.  That was two and a half years ago. 

Hm.

I must say, I've met some remarkable and thoroughly inspiring home school families since arriving in Germany!  So incredible were these families that, (admittedly), I stepped into the leadership role enthusiastically.  Albeit, naively. 

I am so thankful for all the knowledgeable enthusiasm that families contributed over the last couple of years.  It was Claudine who got our yahoo online group up and running.  Another mom negotiated with the Bowling Alley resulting in over a year of bowling afternoons twice a month, (free shoe rental and 50 cent games), for the homeschool families.  This gave the moms a chance to network and encourage one another while the children enjoyed relationships with other homeschool children.  There's been the art classes, the library/research and writing class, and even, (more recently), swimming lessons!  And who knew we'd have the privilege of having an author in residence who would share her writing and publishing expertise with us... thanks a million, Jeri!! 

We began InJoy during a conversation at the Bowling Alley when the mamas agreed that an evening out without children would be encouraging and helpful to discuss matters of the heart without the tug of tending to little one's needs.  Some of you will remember the evening we spent in Claudine's loft, laughing and crying, talking and praying, until the wee hours of the morning.

Now we are meeting for InJoy during one short afternoon once a month while our children play in the room nearby.  Lisa's passion for marriage has led her to lead us in nurturing our romances with our husband, using encouragement from the book, The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance: nurturing your marriage through the homeschool years by Heidi St. John.

Honestly, I have no idea what a Homeschool group is "supposed" to look like.  I've stepped into this leadership role with a few ideas of what I thought a group like this is supposed to look like.  But I'm constantly impressed by the passion and initiative that the moms in this group display.  I'm inspired when one of you has a passion, a burden, something you can't possibly keep to yourself, and you organize a class, outing, play date, or opportunity for the rest of the group. 

Thank you.

I'm excited about this new year.  I anticipate great things. 

Our family has a year and (about) five months left here in Germany.  Every day has a sense of urgency to it.  But I got to thinking isn't this the way every day -- no matter what -- can be lived?  This sense of urgency that every day can be the best day ever?  That every day we are living our legacy?

And, on that note, I wonder... what is the legacy the Eifel Homeschool Group is leaving? 

Any thoughts?

Grace,

Sharon Olson