Monday, May 7, 2012

Boarding School




"What am I going to do with you?" My harsh voice struck out to our youngest daughter.

Having changed her classes for her when she claimed she did not like them, now she was failing in all her subjects, and I was at a loss. 

Our older children had all graduated from High School with good grades and I was puzzled as what to do next with our "baby."

It was well into the beginning of her senior year in High School, we needed to do something quick so that she could catch up and graduate.

Our church had just welcomed a special guest missionary speaker who mentioned that their children were living at a boarding school several miles down the coast from us  This Christian school was lodging the children of other missionaries, and also students who needed help scholastically.

Our daughter offered a suggestion, “Why don’t you send me to Watsonville to that Christian school down there?”

I replied, “That might be a good idea, but I don’t know if they will take you since the school year has already begun - - However I will phone them and ask.”

The lady who answered the phone was very positive and she urged me to pack a suitcase and bring our daughter on down.

Arriving after a nice drive along the scenic route, we were given a tour of the campus and the dorms. Each room had two single beds with a bathroom that was connected to an adjoining room.

We signed the paper work and paid for one month and giving Judie a hug, we said our good byes and left. As we drove away we could see her standing there like a lost child.

School went well for her. After the evening meal, each dorm was on "lock up" until the students in that dorm completed their homework assignments. Judie was the last one to finish her homework. “Let us help you” all the girls chimed in, and our daughter agreed.

It did not take long for her to be voted class president and to adjust to the discipline at the school. I believe she benefited from the structure of order and that probably is why she adapted so well to the Air Force which she later joined.

The months quickly went by and when she proudly graduated from High School, it was with honors.

Monte Vista Christian school and their personal attention they offered, gave her the confidence to believe that she could excel.

Today she holds several degrees from college and also a Masters degree.

Something was missing in me to encourage her, but with new surroundings, she discovered hidden abilities within herself.

This post is Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

And linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Also shared at Tell Me a True Story at: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Please enter your true stories there each week.


12 comments:

bluecottonmemory said...

I wish there were still options available for children today like that:)I agree that sometimes others need to water the seed I planted in my children!

Floyd said...

The things in life that kids want when they are in school is usually the worst thing for them. I'm impressed that your daughter offered to do the hard thing. Good for you to have the strength to do what had to be difficult. Sometimes truly loving someone is doing what's best for them, not what's easiest to us...

joy said...

What a happy ending story for your daughter. Thanks for sharing.

Jackie said...

I stumbled upon your site this evening and have really enjoyed looking around here! And, I'm your newest follower!

Loved reading this post! Brought back memories of my daughter needing an extra push and redirection in school....And I might add, a lot of prayer! Thanks for sharing!

Blessings!
Jackie

Lei said...

What a sweet story!

Thank you for your kind words....i needed that! God bless you and your family!

Denise said...

What a courageous sacrifice your daughter (and you!) made. Decisions like this can be difficult but (especially in today's environment)we all need new surroundings and and mentors to give us that extra little push towards discovery and humility.

Lovely story Hazel!
Blessings and hugs,
Denise

Diane Ronzino said...

Hazel, I got up this morning excited to read your latest story. I feel like I know you and your family!

I ditto everything Floyd said. As a mother, I know how difficult it is to do the thing God wants us to do. You obeyed and set the course for her life. Praise God for mother's like you!

Saleslady371 said...

Beautiful story of success. You sound like great parents with an open mind. No wonder God brought the solution so quickly. Love this story!

Anne said...

Beautiful story, Hazel! God really sends us the rain when our planting the seeds isn't enough.

Pamela said...

I see a momma whose heart was willing to sacrifice to help her child. Sometimes the sacrifices brings pain to us but make the difference in the life of our children. What a beautiful story of the grace of God reaching from mother to child.

Sylvia R said...

Excellent proof that one size does not fit all children's educational needs. What a wonderful blessing on a difficult decision!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

loved reading this. What proof that anyone can become what He designed for them. Happy Mother's Day