A Parent's Perspective

Monday, August 31st, 1998 is a day that went down in our family's history: With great trepidation and unshed tears I turn my back on my only child, Kayla. Today is her first day of kindergarten and our first day as an AACS family. "Oh, hello....Yes, this is exciting... Me? Oh, I'm going home to enjoy my return voyage to Privacy Isle. I've been gone 5 1/2 years. I wonder if they'll recognize me." Who am I kidding? I'm worried. Did we make the right choice? Did God really tell us to send her to this place? Who are these people and what are they doing to my baaaabyyy!?!! I'll admit it. I am off the deep end. When I pick her up I'll interrogate her... gently of course. At the first sign of weakness I've got them. Seek and destroy. I am a woman on a mission and everything's in place. The boom is poised to lower, the missiles are locked on target, and my close personal friend, the hooded executioner, has his hand on the lever.

When my husband and I began looking for an alternative to public education we were emphatic that the school we chose to educate our most precious gift not only lay a foundation that would help her be academically competitive but also support our convictions. After narrowing our choices to AACS and another school in Canton, it was time to pray and investigate. We spoke with several parents and administration from both schools. The Lord is funny. He tends to lead us where we must depend upon Him, places that aren't necessarily our first choice but certainly the best. Our choice, emphasis on our, was the school in Canton. The tuition is cheaper, Lord...."No." We have family and friends that fellowship there...."No." Someone is giving us the uniforms, there is a carpool, a friend teaches at the school. Still....no, no, no. We've never regretted following the Lord's, emphasis on Lord's, decision. The other school is a quite fine school but surely AACS is the place for us. I came to this realization the first time the school bus dropped off Kayla . The bus pulls up. I, waiting patiently at my door, am smiling with anticipation. 30 seconds tick by...one minute. Just as I am ready to lock and load, out runs Kayla screaming and hair flying. Being the gentle, calm mother that I am, I snatch the child up in mid stride and inquire as to the problem. I am greeted with a kiss and "Oh, Hi Mommy. What's for lunch?" Complete obliteration is no longer a necessity.

Every day Kayla comes home bubbling over with tales from class (Zero the Hero is a family favorite). Every day there is a sparkle in her eyes as she speaks of school, her new friends, and her teacher, Mrs. Dick. She is excited about learning and more importantly she is excited about the Word of God. During the four weeks our family has been a part of AACS we have been welcomed, informed, encouraged, and embraced. We appreciate the obvious care and concern the staff has for each other, the students, and the families. We are filled with humble gratitude that God has placed Kayla at a school where the values and beliefs taught in our home are not merely supported but are echoed and displayed. A school tailor-made to help us furnish our daughter with the tools needed to be an effective and infectious light of the world. For that blessing alone any gift of time, abilities or money is well worth the sacrifice. Not to mention the curriculum, the value and respect for denominational and ethnic diversity, and the sense of community.

Tuesday, September 22, 1998: Kayla came running and screaming off the bus again. I'm not worried any longer. This time I hear the joy behind the banshee cries. "Bye, Ava! Bye, Evan! Bye, Rachel! See ya tomorrow! ..Mommy, guess what?...I have a reading buddy!...You know what else? Mrs. Dick said ....." I've remembered that we make plans, but it is our Heavenly Father who orders our steps. I've remembered that He situates us in just the right place with just the right people in the perfect circumstances to grow us into all that He has specifically called us to be. I've remembered His fatherly care, His loving kindness, and tender mercies.

We have fallen in love and we are eagerly looking forward to a long mutually supportive relationship with the school. Besides, I've misplaced my arsenal.