Levi and School... an unexpected decision

If you know us, or around us, you know that we have been discussing school and Levi's formal education for a long time, and most days, I still don't feel like I know the answer.

2 weeks ago, if you would have asked me what Levi was doing for school, I would have told you that we were leaning towards sending him to our local elementary school. We live in a great district, and most people don't bat an eyelash at sending their kids. For reasons, we can't explain (though, NOW, we can) we weren't settled in our hearts about it. Our other option, was to homeschool, and we also haven't felt settled about that either.

So, rewind to maybe 3-4 weeks ago? Mike and I were travelling to the Kalamazoo area for a birthday party, and miraculously, all of our kids fell asleep. We talked a lot about school that day, in particular, in regards to me teaching. During that conversation, we hit on this idea, of me teaching later in the evenings which would eliminate our need for babysitters, which is a HUGE expense to us every year. Feeling good about that decision, we decided to change that up for this year.

Maybe 2-3? weeks ago, I was talking with a woman about schooling options, and lamenting the cost of Jackson Christian to her. At the end of this conversation, she said to me, did you know that I'm on the board at JCS? I had NO idea (clearly!). I would never have given her my unedited opinion if I did.  I had been saying over and over to Mike, if I could choose 100% what I would want for Levi this year, it would be to do 1\2 K at JCS, but it was just out of the question, it was just too expense, oh, how God delights in amazing His children.

So, last week, the kids and I went to play at a playground and it was crazy busy with a daycare, so we left, and we ended up at JCES playground. The kids played for quite a while, and I sat down on a hill to nurse Maisie. I can't tell this story to someone without getting goosebumps, but as I sat there feeding her, this INCREDIBLE sense of peace came over me, and I just felt like I could send him there, and be completely at peace about it, something both Mike and I had not felt at all in regards to school. That night, I told Mike about it, but mostly felt sad thinking there was no way we could send him, but, oh, how often the Holy Spirit has to speak to us a few more times to get us to pay attention!

So, this past Sunday, the same woman I spoke with before said to me at church.. I spoke with JCS and they want to speak with you about school for Levi. I kind of laughed at her, but I told her I would. Tuesday afternoon, I spoke to JCS for the first time, and, truly, all I can say is that God has had his hand on us, and on this situation.  One of the huge factors was finances, and the decision Mike and I (aka the Holy Spirit) allowed us to make over a month ago in regards to teaching freed up money that we could use to help pay for school for Levi.

In less than 24 hours, we had applied, received more than we ever could have dreamed of in financial aid, and today I picked up his school packet at school?!?!? I get goosebumps when I type it, because I still can't believe how much the Lord has laid his hand on this process.  When this whole thing started at JCS on Tuesday afternoon I said to Mike... if it's of the Lord, I know the doors will fly open and there will be no question in our minds what we are supposed to do, in case you're wondering, we have no doubts. We are humbled, grateful, and thankful to the Lord that we are being allowed the privilege of sending Levi to a Christian School.

Did I mention Levi starts Monday?!?
We are excited for this new adventure to begin.

All Glory to God!
We are thankful.