The day they GREW up!

I thought I better document this before I get into another whirl wind of busyness.

It is official! I have STOPPED homeschooling.

In the midst of getting the girls ready to face another school year, the books, the prep
talks, the uniforms, the rules, the timetables, the lunch boxes, the planning and not to forget the ever difficult task of punching all their routines into my faithful phone/organiser etc. I actually forgotten that as of today, 4th January 2010, I am NO LONGER a homeschooler.

The last of my off-springs has happily bounced off to the big world of Singapore
education. Roller bag and all.

I still struggle inside. I struggle not for the saying 'farewell' but for the simple
lost of the joy that I used to have when I saw their little faces light up, when they
'got it'. The thrill I once knew when they will run/turn to me as if I was the ONLY
walking dictionary they know of. The pleasure of knowing that we can pack up
and travel ANYWHERE around the world and STILL be educated with TONS of fun
piled on.

When Letitia first stepped into school a year plus ago for the last quarter of Primary 1
I learnt to let go. I relented my 'teacher hat' but rediscovered a new role all
together with her. I became her moral and mental coach. I had to revamp the entirety
of the school concept to make it look fun, positive and worth pursuing. I've learnt
to hold Letitia's hand when she is unsure, to challenge her to try the unknown and
yes, to encourage her to ENJOY learning, though noone else seems to be keen.
She's fighting each day to NOT be held down by the scores, the marks and the
rankings. She knows it, I drill it, we WANT to believe it but.... it's still a long
process.

Mathena being the 2nd child, we just love her for who she is. She is
very unassuming yet every bit unpredictable. Just when we expect her to shine in
confidence, she'll fall to bits at the slightest change. She's learnt most of the ropes
with regards to school through the many days and hours I have spent in Letitia's
school. Now she is HOLDING these ropes, tightly and very eager to climb.

I believe every part of our lives is blessed by GOD. Even when we don't ask for it,
GOD blesses us. I have been blessed. These 2 girls will constantly remain the two
bestest gifts I have ever received from GOD and Alex. Even when we were tossing on
whether to foot out the money (desks are NOT cheap!) in search for a suitable desk,
we found one at 1/10 of the price as new, as good! At tehe 11th hour, unexpected!
Even THIS is a blessing...

I now juggle 2 systems of schooling. I now juggle 2 personalities and learning
types. I now have EVEN less time to myself. I have one daughter to herself half the
day every day. I am blessed!

Thank you, God!