This coming May, our youngest child will graduate from our homeschool, marking the end of a 26-year journey of educating our five living children at home. It’s a milestone that brings a swirl of emotions—gratitude, pride, and a bittersweet sense of closure. This chapter of our lives has been defined by faith, dedication, and a conviction that the responsibility of education lies with parents, not the state.
As we prepare to close this season, it seems fitting to reflect on why we chose this path, share the lessons we’ve learned, and offer encouragement to those who are either considering homeschooling or are already walking this challenging but deeply rewarding road.
Why We Chose to Homeschool
Our decision to homeschool was not made lightly, nor was it born out of convenience. It was a deliberate choice rooted in our Christian values, our experiences as missionaries, and our firm belief that parents are called to guide their children’s education—not the government.
Faith as the Foundation
As Christians, we believe that education is far more than the transfer of knowledge. It’s about shaping hearts and minds in alignment with God’s Word. Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” To us, homeschooling was the most effective way to fulfill this biblical mandate.
By teaching our children at home, we could integrate faith into every aspect of their education. Science was taught as a testament to God’s intricate design, history as His unfolding plan, and literature as a means to explore human nature through a biblical lens. This holistic approach allowed us to raise children who were not only academically equipped but spiritually grounded.
Freedom to Travel and Minister
For much of our children’s upbringing, we served as missionaries, traveling to various parts of the world to share the Gospel. Traditional schooling simply wasn’t an option. Homeschooling provided the flexibility we needed to educate our children while fulfilling our calling as a family.
Our classroom was often unconventional—a table in a mission house, a picnic bench in a park, or even the back of a camper. But these experiences enriched our children’s education in ways no standardized curriculum ever could. They learned geography by exploring foreign lands, history by visiting sites of historical significance, and compassion by witnessing the needs of others firsthand.
A Stand Against State Overreach
One of the core reasons we chose homeschooling was our conviction that the government has no rightful place in educating children in place of their parents. Deuteronomy 6:7 commands parents to teach their children diligently, and we believe this responsibility cannot be outsourced.
We’ve watched with concern as public education has increasingly prioritized secular ideologies over foundational skills and moral development. Homeschooling allowed us to shield our children from agendas that conflicted with our values while giving them an education tailored to their unique strengths and needs.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
After 26 years of homeschooling, we’ve accumulated a few lessons—some learned the hard way, others revealed through the grace of God. Here are a few insights we hope will help others:
1. Homeschooling Is Not About Perfection
There were days when the math lesson felt like climbing Everest and moments when chaos reigned over order. Homeschooling is not a picture-perfect journey, and that’s okay. It’s about faithfulness, not flawlessness.
On the days when we fell short, we reminded ourselves that our children’s education was a marathon, not a sprint. The most important lessons—love for learning, critical thinking, and a biblical worldview—were not confined to a single day or subject.
2. Each Child Is Unique
One of the greatest blessings of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to each child. Some of our children thrived with a structured approach, while others needed the freedom to explore their interests. Homeschooling allowed us to adapt, ensuring that each child was challenged without being overwhelmed.
This flexibility also extended to pacing. When one of our children struggled with a concept, we could slow down. When another excelled, we could move ahead. This personalized approach fostered confidence and a love for learning.
3. Community Matters
Homeschooling can feel isolating at times, but you’re not alone. Over the years, we’ve found incredible support through homeschool co-ops, church groups, and other like-minded families. These connections provided encouragement, accountability, and opportunities for our children to socialize and collaborate.
If you’re considering homeschooling, seek out a community that aligns with your values. The journey is much easier when shared with others who understand the unique challenges and joys of educating at home.
Encouragement for Those Considering Homeschooling
To those standing at the crossroads, wondering whether homeschooling is the right choice, let us offer this: it’s worth it. The sacrifices, the uncertainties, the late nights planning lessons—they’re all worth it. Here’s why:
You Are the Best Teacher for Your Child: No one knows or loves your child more than you do. You are uniquely qualified to guide their education, even if you don’t feel like an expert in every subject. There are countless resources and communities ready to help you along the way.
You’ll Strengthen Family Bonds: Homeschooling is as much about relationships as it is about academics. The time you spend together will create memories, deepen your connection, and strengthen your family’s foundation.
You’ll Cultivate Lifelong Learners: By homeschooling, you can instill a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom. Your children will see education not as a chore but as a lifelong adventure.
Encouragement for Those Already on the Path
To those who are already homeschooling, we salute you. You’re doing one of the most challenging—and rewarding—jobs imaginable. On the tough days, when doubt creeps in or exhaustion takes hold, remember this:
You’re Making an Eternal Impact: The seeds you’re planting now will bear fruit for generations. You’re not just teaching math or grammar; you’re shaping character, instilling values, and preparing your children to walk boldly in their faith.
It’s Okay to Rest: Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge when needed. Your well-being is essential to your family’s success.
Celebrate the Wins: Take time to acknowledge the milestones, big and small. Whether it’s a child mastering a difficult concept, finishing a book, or showing kindness to a sibling, these moments are worth celebrating.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare to graduate our youngest child and close this chapter of our lives, we’re filled with gratitude. Homeschooling has not only shaped our children but also transformed us as parents. It’s deepened our faith, strengthened our marriage, and taught us to rely on God in ways we never imagined.
To those considering homeschooling: step out in faith. To those already on the path: keep going. The journey is challenging, but the rewards are eternal. And as we hand our youngest their diploma this May, we’ll do so with full hearts, knowing that this 26-year run was one of the greatest blessings of our lives.