Yesterday we finished up our two week travels around France. We spent most of the time in Paris, because who doesn't love Paris? Fridays are generally a lighter day. Mister finished his Singapore Math 3A book. Brown-Eyed-Girl colored while I read to them from George Mueller. We all felt the anticipation of getting school done for the day, because it meant school vacation for the holidays and the cousins were coming over.
As all this was happening in my home, the unspeakable was happening a few states away. When I heard the terrible news of the Connecticut school shooting, I wept. I have to admit I was thankful my babies were home safe with me. I have to admit I thanked God I could homeschool them. I have to admit the thought of sending them into this evil world makes me want to cloister them within the four walls of our house.
But I cannot do that, nor is that what God wants me to do. For now, yes, they are protected from certain things they would not be if they were in public school. That is one reason why we homeschool. But I have to admit that the terrible thing that happened yesterday at a school could happen absolutely anywhere. It was not a school that did this, it was a man. We could be at the library, at the grocery store, at the movies, at our church, and a man could walk in and do the same thing.
My children and their lives are not in my hands. They are in God's. I must prepare them to go into this world that has so much evil in it, but needs salt and light and the love of Jesus Christ. I must do all I can to train them to be as wise as serpents but as harmless as doves. I must entrust them to the Lord each and every day. At home. At play. And away.
Lord, please be with those hurting families in Connecticut. Make good on Your promise to make beauty out of ashes and to use all things for good. What Satan meant for evil, may You use for good.
France is known for making pretty soaps in different shapes with lots of rich scents. We made our own soap out of regular soap bars, melted in a "double boiler".
When it cooled, the kids molded some into various shapes, and also cut some with cookie cutters.
We made our first batch of gingerbread cookies since we were making the Eiffel Tower out of gingerbread as well. I didn't get a picture of the finished project, but the kids cut theirs out using a template and decorated them once baked. We didn't even attempt a 3-D model, though it had crossed my mind.
We enjoyed a French feast together last night. We didn't have real wine, but we did have some sparkling juice, baguette and hot brie. So delicious! I'm happy to say the kids loved the brie!
We listened to accordion music from France while we ate and I cherished my family sitting around the table together. As popular author Karen Kingsbury always writes at the end of her dedications, I am thankful to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has- for now- blessed me with these.
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