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Learning Through Loving
My 17 year old son and I just returned from a mission trip to Mexico. To say it was eye-opening would be an understatement. It's amazing what we were ablto to learn and experience in only nine days.
While there we were able to work in a pre-school, visit a re-hab center ('Beans, rice & Jesus Christ' was their motto), work with a spunky little 65 year old lady as she taught Bible studies and delivered glasses of milk with a spoonfuls of peanutbutter to the kids (protein and calcium) and clothing to the mothers. A few of the girls in our group worked in the volunteer clinic and we all attended an inspiring church service and purchased food bags that we delivered to a labor camp. And in addition, we completed our main goal of building a house for a young family!
Not only did we grow spiritually and emotionally, but we gained friendships both in Mexico and with those we worked with from home. My son worked constantly on the house and was able to spend time conversing with several Godly and encouraging men. We also gained in practical skills and I'm now proud to say I could build a cement block building if need be!
I highly encourage you to seek out opportunities to be "missionaries" with your children. You can be a missionary to the elderly man next door or the lonely woman down the street. Do you have a food pantry you could volunteer at? Perhaps tutoring, childcare, serving at a homeless shelter? You will not be disappointed in the rewards as you participate in these activities with your children. That's true education.
If you're looking for ideas, the Families in Mission website lists contacts for many states and cities in the US. Your pastor may also be able to point you in the right direction as well. Note: If you're interested in a Mexican mission trip, we worked through Welcome Home Outreach. They are wonderful folks and set up projects for groups, families and individuals.
We'd love to hear (and print) different ways that our readers have found to minister to those their communities and around the world. Email us at triggermemory@charter.net with "mission" in the subject line. |
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Great Web Resources Here are a few great web resources you'll want to check out!
My children and I have spent this school year studying US Geography and I stumbled across this fun, interactive map resource. This Animated Atlas shows the growth of the US from 1790 to 2000. (I even learned a few things - not that that should be surprising!)
Though this is the perfect time of year to get outside for field trips, this site has some fun, interactive fields. At e-Field Trips you can visit bats at the Carlbad Caverns, see an underwater ecosystem at Biscayne National Park, learn about climbing Mt. Denali and more! Though you must register, the e-Field Trips are all free. These field trips even include journals and the ability to "ask and expert" questions. |
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What's New? Preschool Activities in a Bag has been a popular seller on our website. And no wonder, since it's the rare Mommy that doesn't occasionally struggle with finding something to keep the younger ones entertained while the older children do school.
We're pleased to announce that this book is now available in E-Book format making it even more affordable. Not only that you'll have it immediately and there are no shipping charges!
We've received such a positive response to the sale price on our Out-of-the-Box Education E-Book, that we've decided to leave it at $6.95 for a bit longer. This books is chock full of fun, active and imaginative ways to teach your children. A real bargain!
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Readers Respond
Last month we asked readers to share ways they combat Spring Fever. MB Akers emailed in this logical response.
"I used to teach in the public schools (I've long since repented!), and found that the last few weeks of the school year are a total waste. It is due in part to the children knowing that school is almost out, resulting in an attitude of, "why bother?" Other factors include fatigue, nicer weather outside, and impatience in waiting for summer vacation. We do not have this problem in our homeschool. The main reason is that we go year-round, taking shorter, but more frequent, breaks from school. There is never a time when we are approaching the "end of the school year", so we avoid that mind set. Also, because we have not been in school for months without a break, fatigue isn't a problem. When the nice weather beckons us, we answer the call: we go outside."- MB Akers
This month, be sure to share on ways you find to be "missionaries" with your children. (see Learning Through Loving above) |
