2011 HEY Fall Rally

This past Thursday, August 18th, was the annual rally for our local homeschool group, Home Educated Youth (HEY).  As a board member, I helped to plan and work at the rally. I took reservations for table sales for the used book sale.  We had 43 tables of used curriculum, games, books, and local organizations or homeschool groups.  WOW!  It was an AMAZING turnout.  It was also a LOT of work. 

 This year we had over 100 people in attendance of the rally.  There were even MORE people who showed up specifically for the book sale.

For this evening, we had two breakout sessions planned:

Christina Friedman presented "Helping Your Child Love Learning"

And a panel of homeschoolers, either homeschooled themselves, currently homeschooling and one who was both homeschooled and is currently teaching her own children, took part in a Q&A session.

It was wonderful to see that there were women who have taught children of all ages, who have gone on to do wonderfully as adults.  To see these young men on our panel and know that they are attending college, raising their own families and LOVED that they were homeschooled!

One thing that I personally took away from this meeting was an answer from a wonderful woman in response to the question, "What makes you qualified to teach your children?"  Her answer?  "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called" 

THIS is what we, as homeschoolers, need to hear.  We also need to hear that it's okay if we don't have all the answers.  That it's okay to say you need a break.  That taking a break doesn't mean you're not learning or teaching.  Teaching happens OUTSIDE of textbooks and workbooks and the dining room table.  

Most of all, I've learned that homeschooling is more than just our family and what I'm teaching them.  It's our community and those around us that encourage us and challenge us. 

I look forward to 2012, when HEY celebrates 25 years of supporting and encouraging homeschooling families.  Thanks to all who helped and volunteered to make this event a success!