Finding and Using Resources

The one thing I love about homeschooling most is that-- nothing is set in stone.  We are all learning at the same time, even me.  Every time I find something that can compliment what they are currently studying, I can introduce it into their day so that they can maximize their education.
I love that!

Two loose teeth at the same time!  Oh no!  Who will win and pull theirs out first?

Anna!

Today at the resource center, I checked out some new games and picked up our extra educational workbooks that I ordered.  Math Minutes is fantastic and so is Daily Skill Builders!

Besides reading about George Mueller, I also have this on my night stand.  I am so excited to read "Heaven is for Real."  Probably not as excited as I am to read this-- but pretty close.  :) I will most likely begin reading both to all the older kids if I can just get us back into the routine of family devotional time in the evening.  

With one of our recent homeschool orders came this--a giant map of the United States that Sveta, Anastasia, and Paul are enjoying coloring right now.  What a perfect evening activity for them while the others are out with John at BSF. 

Next week the kids are going to begin reading this book.  I have already read the first two chapters-- and it is so interesting. 

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Tonight I had the blessing of talking to one very discouraged Mom. We have been exchanging emails for the last year off and on.  Bless her heart, she is trying and has been trying for five years.  By the end of our conversation I'd like to think that I helped in some small way, but really I think she is the one that helped me.  It is so easy to get discouraged at the parent you have become because of the behaviors of your child.  In return you look at your child and begin to resent them for feeling the way you do.   This isn't how you imagined things to be.  All of a sudden you find yourself in a dark hole where you are not happy, your adopted child is not happy, and life becomes stagnant.

You are right where you were two, three, or even four years ago.  It seems like little has changed in that time.

But wait.  This Mom gave me a different perspective to share with you.  Even though you may have adopted your child three years ago and the progress seems slow coming, keep in mind the time that they spent in the orphanage.  If they were in an orphanage for two and a half years, it can take them that long of being in your home before you will actually begin to see a difference.  So technically it is like your child has only been in your home for six months, not three years.  And then you can more accurately gage the progress they have made in those short six months and surely be encouraged.

It may not seem like a lot, but the point is to count your blessings by choosing to see the progress no matter how small it may be.  The journey of adoption is a long one-- and sometimes a very challenging one.

Find other adoptive Moms you can relate to.  Don't be afraid to seek comfort from those who understand what is going on in your life.  No matter what the outcome, use your story to help others.

What this Mom made me realize too was that, I am still very passionate about helping other adoptive families who are struggling.  If I can't help you, I will point you to others who I think may be able to help you, and if they can't help you, they will most likely be able to point you to someone who can.

If you could, please keep this Mom and her family in your prayers. 

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Circle of Moms-- Smiles and Trials