Sunday, May 14, 2006

The Difference Between a Lutheran Homeschool Retreat and an Evangelical Homeschool Retreat.....

This week, several of the Lutheran homeschoolers from the email list that I belonged to made the (almost) annual pilgrimage from surrounding areas to the seminary in Fort Wayne for a few days. It was unbelievably nice.

I don't think many of these women know what they mean to me. They have at times been my sanity through the many times they have shared their wisdom, included me in their prayers, or shared their weaknesses so that my imperfections didn't weigh so heavily, either. I view their words daily....I see their faces only a few times a year.

I live so close to the seminary, that I don't stay there for the retreat, so it is a bit disorienting what it does to life for a few days....all of a sudden, without my surroundings really changing, my life is filled with things that are drastically different...daily liturgical worship and theological talks replace typing on the keyboard and school books; the comparative quiet is replaced by hoards of children and all the joys and controversies that come with it; and for goodness sakes, we went shopping at "the 'nice' Goodwill" for fun !!(who'd think that was possible??)

I've been to several homeschooling activities before with other groups, but I've only experienced Lutheran homeschooling with these people....and it is always a blessing. I would say the one thing that was missing was the male presence that had been at previous ones. I think having our heads of household there helps things keep sane. We had a couple of dads there, including my husband when he could, but the male presence was sorely missed.

But, getting back to the title of this entry......one of the joyous differences with a Lutheran retreat that you miss out on at any other.....

Chocolate martinis after Compline.

(hey, Martinis could be a Lutheran drink anyway....they have the name of our beloved church father!)


6 comments:

Marie N. said...

Oh-- I sure did miss it this year! My daughter and I looked at all the photos and missed everyone. We hope to joing the group again next year. I understand what you mean about it being refreshing to the soul.

RPW said...

We missed you Marie!

Genuine Lustre said...

Sigh . . .. . yeah, wasn't it a mountaintop experience. Although different, I thought it was kinda nice to have such a small group of moms - more intimate.

Missouri Brunnerts said...

I came upon your blog while searching "Lutherans that homeschool". Our children currently attend a LCMS school but we are considering homeschool. It has been a very overwhelming decision. There are very few stay at home moms in our large LCMS church and none that homeschool. My husband is willing to consider homeschooling but isn't as eager as I am. Any insight from you or others who post on this blog would be greatly appreciated.

RPW said...

LCMS homeschoolers have often felt a bit more "out there" and alone because so many see the presence of Lutheran schools as a reason why there is no need to homeschool. Small towns that are very proud of their public schools are another (sometimes despite the quality).

Homeschooling is a very broad and diverse lifestyle. You can educate according to your beliefs, your needs, your need for structure or your desire for a lack thereof.

There is a huge community of Lutheran homeschoolers out there, though. You can find them either on Facebook or on the site www.cat41.org The group is called Martin Loopers. They are more laid back than most of the other boards on CAT41, and a very good resource of women -- some who are homeschooling a 2nd generation, right down to moms of preschoolers and who are deliberating.

Feel free to email me as well. It can be challenging and terrifying. It can also be an incredible blessing.

RPW said...

Also, if you go to the LCMS website, there is going to be the first LCMS homeschool conference in Wichita soon. That might not be too far for you?