This year we have been wondering what to do for schooling for our boys next year. The school the boys go to changes systems after elementary school and we weren’t sure if it would be a good fit for Ethan. Plus we know at some point we will need to switch them from French back into English. So with that in mind we started looking at other options. There is a British missionary school not far from us that takes day students from the towns nearby. We felt like it would be a good fit and decided to apply. 2 weeks ago the boys had their trial week there. I was really praying that God would confirm for us where the kids should go. We had some concerns for this school, the biggest being Tyler who is quite picky about food and he would be required to eat lunch there to and eat everything he was served. However as the week went on the boys were really enjoying it. Tyler wasn’t enjoying lunches by he wasn’t dreading it which in my book was a win. I was thanking God as it seems like he was confirming in our hearts where the boys should go.
Friday we get an email from the school to their pray partners saying that one dorm parent was no longer able to stay next year which means they were having to reshuffling things and not accept all new students. Sure enough 3 days later we got a letter saying there was not enough room for our boys the next year. We were all quite heart broken as it was seeming more and more like this was a perfect match for us.
It was a hard day as by this point we were all set on the idea of this school, but Ethan especially took it the hardest. I was frustrated as before going to the trial week the boys didn’t have any preference of school and it was only now after that week that we get the news. I was worried as the other options we have to consider are all significantly more expensive. However most of all I was disappointed as it was seeming to be such a great fit.
Moments of disappointment are always hard, but are always good as they draw me back to God. They remind me that it is his plans not mine. They remind me that he is the one in control of all the unknowns and that he knows the best. We asked him for clarity and he gave it, it was just not what we were expecting or in the way we were expecting. They remind me how easy it is to start worrying and not trust God for the things that our outside of our control. At the same time our passports were lost in the mail (don’t worry they are found now) but it was just one thing after another that seemed to be crumbling around me. So yesterday I took a day with God to refocus be renewed and rest.
This is a reality that many missionaries face so I know we are not alone in the struggle. So here is where we are at now. We have until July 15th to re enroll in the school the boys are currently at. We are debating between that and another schooling option and are taking the next week to pray once again for clarity and peace in this decision. Would you take a moment and pray with us as we seek wisdom from the Lord in this decision? The older our kids get the more complicated schooling becomes between different languages and countries and ministry realities. So pray for guidance was we move forward.
Praying for you guys!! I can only imagine how hard it must be hoping to make the best decision for your young men. Glad that God knows what is best and has a good plan. Praying for hopeful hearts as you walk in faith and trust his love and goodness and don’t listen to the fear. Thank you for choosing to be strong and courageous. Love you and so proud of you!
Great update, guys. The boys are getting so big! Wow! Tyler is getting TALL!!
We pray that you find the right fit for the boys for school. Thanks for sharing so honestly and asking for prayer. We think of you guys often!
Andi, Thanks for being so transparent and for giving us something concrete to pray for. Cordelia While she wasn’t a MK she was a TCK, there by had many school challenges. She changed schools often and was always the new kid on the block. So I know, at least 2nd hand, the challenges you and your boys are facing. It is even harder when you have your heart and your sights set on one particular school and then get turned down from that one. We’ve had that experience more than once. So I know the frustration and disappointment you have niw.
But our Lord is faithful and will not let you down. Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10 are two of my favorite verses when I’m needing encouragement and trust building.
I’ll be praying for you all and for the right school decision to be made.
Carolyn Gaupo
Praying for God’s leading and peace over this week. He has a plan – isn’t that a wonderful piece of knowledge He has given us in His Word! Lifting up all of you as friends have to leave – so very hard! May God comfort you – knowing that you WILL see each other again (a wonderful part about the body of Christ!).
Praying for clarity and peace. These decisions are not easy. Thanks for being open with us, even in your struggles and disappointment.
What always helped me when faced with decisions regarding my children was: reminded myself that my children were a gift from God, He loves them even more than I do (hard to comprehend), He cares even more!!! than Ido about what is best for them, therefore let my anxieties go and while I might not understand, I can certainly trust in his constant love and leading.
Those thoughts got me and John through so many scary decisions and circumstances we simply didn’t understand regarding our children. Even now when I second guess some of those decisions l have to remind myself it was all done trusting God, don’t doubt his presence and guidance then, now, and into the future. Prayers for your whole family. Lovingly, Aunt Elisabeth
It seems that educating missionary children always seems to be one of the hardest challenges. I know with our grands from Russia, it was a constant prayer need. Now that they are home…. it still is a challenge with US public schools presenting a variety of issues. This indeed was a let down having thought you had such a solution. I am praying God will provide a wonderful answer to this ever present distraction that is so critical to you continuing to serve HIM! I do think you have a wonderful home school teacher that lives with you!!! ????????????
Thank you for bringing this huge request to us so we can pray along with you. Children are such a gift and as parents we all want what is best.
My heart goes out along with you in your disappointment. Thinking this new school is almost perfect and then to have the door shut. God knows.
One of my favorite verses is “Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you will go”. Joshua 1:9
Yes, God knows the best fit for them and I will be praying for wisdom for you and Joel as you seek to determine this. Also regarding friends. I’m sure it is so hard for all of you as different ones leave the field. As adults we understand a little more but children.. My heart wants to cry.
May the Lord comfort you all and may you rejoice in serving our Savior even in the hard times.
God bless you.