Friday afternoon our homeschool group had a Park Day. We decided to go and try to make some new friends. It was a lot of fun and thankfully, the hot and humid weather pattern has given way to really beautiful, sunny days here.
As Emery ran around playing tag and Savannah shyly claimed her own spot on the swings, I talked with some sweet ladies about the ins and outs of homeschooling in Florida, how soon Trader Joe’s would be opening, and where to find the nearest Chickfila.
One topic that came up more than once was a local program called Saints International. The moms I spoke to couldn’t say enough good things about this program, which is similar to a PE class for homeschool kids. As I watched Emery running, playing, and sweating, it sounded like something he would truly love.
Before the park day was over, we were invited to sit at a table with a family who had extra tickets to the Saints International fundraiser that night. And FUN it was! The evening started with a silent auction and spaghetti dinner, but quickly moved to a time to get autographs from Ex-Pro ball players who now work for FCA. After that they brought out comedian Tom Toombs who had us all in stitches with his crazy antics!
For me though, the best part of the night was listening to Coach Rick, the guy who started the program almost 20 years ago with only 2 other people and 8 kids. This program now has locations all over Florida, with some in California, Guatemala, Zambia, and Kenya! This man’s heart for the Lord is amazing! You can hear his love for others in the way he speaks and he absolutely radiates joy. I am humbled at the slow and steady ways that the Lord is guiding me down here. Putting people in places I wouldn’t expect, to gently lead us where we need to be.
