January 26^th 2008 was our second Homeschool Mum’s Retreat.  A time where the local Homeschool Mums take some time out from the day in and day out activities of being mum, and can sit and focus with other mums with the intention of being encouraged, being challenged and being refreshed.  Renew Refresh Revive!

This year was different from last in a few ways;  we had only a small group of 6-7 mums but most significantly was our venue.  Last year we got discount at one of the local caravan parks for a couple of their cabin/units. We had a lovely time next to the lake, we enjoyed being so close to nature but there were limitations being in such small cabins.  This year though one of the families gave us their house.  The father and kids relocated (to our house) for the day/night leaving the house free for the homeschool mums to move in and even sleep over night.  In the end only myself stayed the night but it gave us the freedom to stay chatting till close to midnight (which is a late night for those who rise early, such as myself, at 5.00am!)

In planning our day I had tried to give time and space for a splash in the pool and a general chat over a cuppa but that didn’t happen.  There was so much good conversation going on at times the day kind of took on its own shape and timing.  Though we did keep to our discussion points we added many more along the way.

We started our day by joining at the local book café for breakfast.  During breakfast we all shared, one by one around the table, what our goals were for our children’s education and training, and if applicable we shared what curriculum choices we had made (especially if it was a new discovery for us and we hadn’t shared that before).  It is always interesting to hear what someone has chosen and why – together we build up an incredible resource.

Next activity was to get to Lynette’s – our home for the day.  I sprung a “treasure hunt” into our agenda and this became our lunch time conversation.  The treasure we had to search for on our way “home” was to find lessons we could talk about with our children.  It was amazing the variety of things that we saw – from life skill opportunities, to construction to nature, to the truths of God.  The lesson to us was, that our little town, that we drive through day in and day out has some amazing lessons for us to share with our children.  The challenge was also there to bring things back to the Word of God as we do talk to them.

We had three sessions planned:

1. Dealing with under 5’s in our homeschooling
2. Motiviating the unmotivated
3. Record Keeping

I am slowly getting my notes together so will be able to share some of our thoughts and encouragements as that happens.