Homeschooling days 3-4

Well friends we made it through the first week!  After a very rough start and lots of overwhelmed feelings from all of us, we did settle into a routine as the days went on.  We miss normal life, but we recognize that we have a choice to either embrace the new normal or feel lots of frustration about it.  I think the adults in the family are finding the choice easier than the children.

We have all been learning new things this week!  I learned how to get meds sent to our door.  I watched videos on how to make rice milk if needed.  I learned much about St. Patrick,  COVID-19 and the flu of 1918.  I learned that you shouldn't read about the flu of 1918 at bedtime.  I have grown in my dependence on God and been reminded of spiritual breathing.  I have realized my deep selfishness at it relates to my time and schedule and priorities.  I have talked with people who are struggling.  I have heard about amazing acts of kindness.  I have treasured cuddles and sunrises and texts and offers for drop offs and a neighbor on vacation with a working dryer! God has been so very faithful.

The kids have learned many new things, esp chores.  I have taught them how to high dust, dust, clean toilets and counters, sanitize doors and switches and more.  They have also learned to play Dutch Blitz.  T is especially good at playing for an 8 year old beginner.  Her body is always moving fast and this gives her an advantage in this game.

We have started each morning with a family Bible and prayer time.  This is so special to me and something that I hope will continue daily for always.  The kids are not super fond of it at this point, but I am prayerful that they will appreciate it as time goes on.

The future can look grim.  The next 18 months could be like no other in our lives.  Many times in the last few days I have felt a tightness in my chest.  This is not a health concern, but a prayer concern.  In those moments I have spent too much time reading news articles and not enough time praying.


On Thursday night I fell asleep meditating on Psalm 91.  I remember this Psalm being so impactful to me post September 11th.  I am so thankful for the peace it brings me today.  I copied and pasted from Bible Gateway, because someone else might need to read this Psalm today too!

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”