So much of the vision of this trip for our family, is being fulfilled through informal, yet purposeful conversations as we interact with people in their normal daily lives. With our girls being some of the oldest in our church back home, it has been so helpful for them to meet and get to know lots of 16, 17, 18, 19 year old girls, who are part of families that share a very similar vision to us. It helps give them a sense of what things can look like for us in the future - serving God together, each playing a vital role.
Becky has also been very encouraged meeting other home-educating mothers, some with small families, some with large families - some with daughters and sons who have grown and married, having been home-educated all the way through.
I have been so blessed to have many conversations with men, and with families and young adults - asking questions about their greatest blessings, their greatest challenges, and as many things as possible that I can ask and therefore not learn the hard way!!!
Over the weekend of 10-11 October, we had many good conversations and lots of edifying fellowship at the Botkin home. There are always other people travelling through, or staying for a season, along with interns -young men who are helping with the church and family ministry. The atmosphere at the Botkin home has always been one of purposeful and edifying conversation, meaningful fellowship, and a desire to encourage and help other believers in the things God has called them to do.
Around great food (always a bonus) picture lots of people around the room, and lots of conversations, not forced, but purposeful. The young men (interns) join in, yet mostly listen - and this is such great discipleship. For guys in their late teens, to be immersed in conversations where men and families are talking about the Lord, and the things of God, or where church leaders are discussing problems, and challenges - this is such good learning for them.
As those of you who home-educate know, our greatest criticism is always "what about socialization??" - indicating that something will go wrong with our kids if they are not in a classroom with children their same age most of the day, for most of the week. However, when I see my 8, 11, 12 and 14 year old children, spread around the room, having good conversations with other adults, learning things, gaining wisdom, and all with LOTS of laughter, and joy - it reminds me why we made the choice to home-educate our children.
We are gaining so much encouragement, renewed vision, wisdom and inspiration for our life's work back in NZ. We feel already that there will be so much benefit to our ministry in NZ, from our time spent here - and we are not even half way yet!
Becky has also been very encouraged meeting other home-educating mothers, some with small families, some with large families - some with daughters and sons who have grown and married, having been home-educated all the way through.
I have been so blessed to have many conversations with men, and with families and young adults - asking questions about their greatest blessings, their greatest challenges, and as many things as possible that I can ask and therefore not learn the hard way!!!
Over the weekend of 10-11 October, we had many good conversations and lots of edifying fellowship at the Botkin home. There are always other people travelling through, or staying for a season, along with interns -young men who are helping with the church and family ministry. The atmosphere at the Botkin home has always been one of purposeful and edifying conversation, meaningful fellowship, and a desire to encourage and help other believers in the things God has called them to do.
Around great food (always a bonus) picture lots of people around the room, and lots of conversations, not forced, but purposeful. The young men (interns) join in, yet mostly listen - and this is such great discipleship. For guys in their late teens, to be immersed in conversations where men and families are talking about the Lord, and the things of God, or where church leaders are discussing problems, and challenges - this is such good learning for them.
As those of you who home-educate know, our greatest criticism is always "what about socialization??" - indicating that something will go wrong with our kids if they are not in a classroom with children their same age most of the day, for most of the week. However, when I see my 8, 11, 12 and 14 year old children, spread around the room, having good conversations with other adults, learning things, gaining wisdom, and all with LOTS of laughter, and joy - it reminds me why we made the choice to home-educate our children.
We are gaining so much encouragement, renewed vision, wisdom and inspiration for our life's work back in NZ. We feel already that there will be so much benefit to our ministry in NZ, from our time spent here - and we are not even half way yet!