The Center for Homeschool Excellence has closed. New homeschoolers seeking support information should contact CSTHEA at www.csthea.org.
My Story - It all started off innocent enough. . . a group of homeschooling moms getting together to support and encourage each other when few were homeschooling or understood their decision.
I wanted to put together a website for this group so I called Debbie and asked her if it was okay. She said "Yea, sure."
I wanted to put together an email group so we could disseminate information so I called Debbie and asked her if it was okay. She said "Not a problem."
I wanted to arrange a couple of field trips so we could all get together so I called Debbie and asked her if it was okay. She said "You do know that I'm not the leader, don't you?"
"No," I replied, somewhat shocked. "Who is then?"
She responded with "You! You're the closest thing we have to a leader right now."
A couple of nights later, I was officially voted in and that is how I became a support group leader 11 years ago! Even though, I accidentally fell into the role, I knew I had a God-given passion for learning all I could about homeschooling and then sharing that information with others.
I feel like in some small way, I have been able to walk through a piece of history. It has been an incredible journey but the time has come for me to take a new road. With a 9th and 12th Grader, I need to focus on homeschooling them through high school and putting all my attention there.
With much prayer and thought, I have decided to retire from being a homeschool support group leader at the end of this school year. As owner, I will be closing The Center for Homeschool Excellence.
I know you guys will have a lot of questions..."Will another group form? Who will lead? What will we do next year?" I don't have the answers to these questions but I encourage you all to talk, plan and dream for the future.
For all the members, past and present - I thank you for following and believing in my vision. Thank you for putting up with my many weaknesses and failures. Thank you for continuing to homeschool when it was hard to do so and your efforts looked in vain.
When it comes to our children's education and the commitment to raise them to be Godly people, I believe Winston Churchill sums up my stance best when he said "Never, never, never, never give up." What you are doing, will one day reap a harvest. If not on earth, then in Heaven. Thank you for ending this year strong and on a positive note.
As for me, "I have made a good fight. I have come to the end of my journey. I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 Bible in Basic English.
~ Angie Lippard.
