New Editor

I don't know if most of you know, but I've been the editor of our Friday School Newsletter for about a year give or take. It's going fan-tabulous... I'm writing cover articles, doing layouts and embedding photos. And apparently, I've done too good of a job!

What do I mean by that? The St. Johns, who are the Founders of First Class Homeschool Co-op recently asked me to take on the Members Ezine for First Class Homeschool Ministries! Uhhh, WOW! Well, of course I said "YES." I love the ministry that they have and by taking some load off of them, they can do even more ministry. I really think that every homeschooling family should have access to a co-op for homeschool support and friendships for the moms. As well as the fact that it is a ministry of the gospel of Christ.

So over the next few months, i'll slowly be taking it over. The program that they use is one that I'm learning to work with. It makes my skagit county newsletter look like a piece of cake! But I am happy to serve... and I hear that i'm good at it.

I didn't know the specifics of writing, the specifics of anything. I have grown and been in the hot seat here for awhile. And right now i'm really feeling it! March is my first Ezine, and Heidi is definately helping me with it. I'm learning the ropes, which I didn't think would take this much time, but i'll get it!

The funny thing is, and Rod and I have had these incredible conversations about how the Lord is using us right now... and the way that we are really under spiritual attack... and I really feel that I am using my gifts in a way that is pleasing to the LORD (thanks Jesse). And if you would have asked me a year and a half ago if I knew how to be "the editor" of a newsletter with a 100 family circulation or the principal writer for it... I would have said, UH NO... needless to say that I wouldn't know how to be one to an ezine with over 1000 subscribers!!!! So, I guess you could say i'm kind of excited about this great opportunity to learn something new and to serve in a ministry that I whole heartedly believe in.

Homeschooling parents... Yes, I mean you, my friends... I taking article submissions for the ezine! Crazy, huh? I've printed Rod a few times. He has a real way with words! Who knew? Wouldn't have known if I wouldn't have been willing to stick my neck out and try something new! Keep me in your prayers! We are under spiritual attack.. and it's not easy, but we are survivors! Zindra

First Class Homeschool Ministries

This last weekend, Rod and I were invited to go to a get together at Jay St. John's parents house on Big Lake. Jay and Heidi are the founders of First Class Homeschool Ministries. We've known Jay and Heidi for some time. When I was pregnant with Jaden we all went to a marriage conference together. When Josiah was little we did friday school.... And i've known their family even longer. I remember doing Bible studies at the St. John's with Jay TenBrink... I remember we went out to their house when I was involved with YD to go waterskiing. And Jay St. John's sister married Mark.. the YD's founder's son... (I was very involved at YD for some time) and I see Jay's mom, Jerry, whenever i'm at Emmanuel.

Anyway, we were invited to this get together. Not sure.. exactly why they wanted us to be there. Polli (love you Polli) said that it was because Jay and Heidi wanted to meet the person (me) that is taking over the newsletter in the fall. And since Rod and I are both active in First Class as a husband/wife team (we are... we're both teachers... and I do other things as well) ... And that we show promise as leaders (pat pat).

There were leaders from the Skagit County First Class as well as others from the Clark County First Class. Wow, we learned alot about what's going on in the land of homeschooling. Jay and Heidi are willingly in over their heads in a only God can do this way!

It's just great what they are doing... They started First Class in Mount Vernon about 7 years ago. When they moved to Vancouver a couple of years ago, they started one there. And I lost count at how many are going/getting started... but apparently this is a huge need. Homeschooling is growing about 29% a year... and people are needing support. And it's a good alternative to parent partnership programs. And I guess that there are current homeschool groups out there that just need support and support for the leaderships of their co-ops, so they're joining under the FC umbrella.. to get connected with other homeschoolers! I had no idea! And this is going to get big... the HSLDA wants First Class Homeschool Ministries (yes, FC) to be a model for across the country.. they want Jay and Heidi to basically, head up getting homeschool groups across the nation connected... (They already have three First Class Co-ops connected in Kentucky!) I had no idea!

It was great to see them and catch up on what's going on in their lives... and it was even better to catch the vision they have for the future of homeschooling.

We also have been invited to participate in the first First Class Fundraising auction that's going to happen June 16th down near Portland. I guess we're going to be helping out as needed, as well as meeting the people involved in the First Class in Clark County. They are apparently very curious about the people who are a part of Jay and Heidi's very first co-op... so in a nerdy homeschooling way... we'll be the people to meet of the night (along with others who we are going with). Ok, that's wierd.

But the really cool thing about all of this is.... I am so excited about being a part of the future of homeschooling. There are so many people out there who really do need support. I can't imagine where I would have been if Jay and Heidi hadn't started the co-op at Emmanuel when Josiah was little. I'm really grateful for that. And to think that there are people out there who have no support.. from their friends or families or the community. Interestingly enough, I knew that there are a couple other First Class groups that they have put together... but I didn't ever look at it on a bigger perspective. That what the St. John's have done, they can teach others to do... and that our Mount Vernon group isn't alone... hadn't ever thought of things that way before... And that by participating in what Jay and Heidi (and God) are doing... in a very practical way we are helping others in Christ do what they feel led to do... homeschool their kids... all across the country! Go God!