Well, I promised to give you the scoop. So, here it is.
Months ago I would have said that I am starting a new school in Center City Philadelphia. It was my own (crazy) dream that started over a year ago, but grew into a compelling vision that I could no longer ignore. Now, I can say WE are starting a new school. We meaning me and my awesome core group of fellow Christians that I called out for and the Lord gathered together. Our plan is to launch a Classical, Christian school in the fall of 2013 with grades K-3 (and adding as we go).
We are not your typical start-up group. No one is over 40. Most people don’t even have children yet, but all of us are committed to staying in this city and raising our children here. There are doctors, lawyers, educators, artists, and business heavy-weights that make up this team. We have a vision for excellent education and the long-term ripple effects that can have in our city and in our neighborhoods. I think it is hard for me to articulate to people who don’t live here what an interesting climate it is in which we are working. It is SO far from the typical places that Classical Schools tend to crop up. That’s why I am super excited to see the shape our version of this kind of school takes!
As I have made connections with other people who have started schools or read through websites of other Classical Schools I see that I don’t fit the type, either, for the leader (though my interests really do) of this type of endeavor. My mind keeps returning to the Bible during the period of judges. Israel was at one of its lowest points. It was a wreck. At this time, God raised up women judges to lead. I guess I feel the loose similarities. Philadelphia is also a spiritual and educational wreck. Enter me – young woman with a passion for my children and a passion to serve families in this city. I feel so small. That’s okay. My confidence is in the Lord and I know this is small potatoes for Him.
I see, though, many threads in my life coming together in this project and that is exciting. It is going to be super hard work, but thank you Lord for my ballet training which has made hard work a state of being. It will involve lots of probing and thinking, but thank you Lord for the teachers and classes that have given me a thorough Biblical worldview. It will require lots of strenous interpersonal communication, but thank you Lord for that CCEF foundation that filters my every interaction.
We have had some preliminary meetings, but the official core team activities for Philadelphia Classical School officially kick-off this summer. Pray for us!
Lee Said:
on June 3, 2011 at 7:51 pm
that is wonderful wonderful news
Valarie Said:
on June 4, 2011 at 8:59 pm
I love your passion and resolve. It’s been a joy to watch it grow and develop over the years. You have been wise in not wasting any opportunity God has given you. I remember reading your emails from the summer you spent in Spain and being aware (and overwhelmed) that God was doing incredible things in your heart. I could never articulate the passion you expressed as the Lord was giving you such clarity.
In part, I was hearing you explain that what I saw as YOU being fearless was actually just your being obedient to what God had for you to do that day and you trusting completely in HIS faithfulness and ability…not your own.
I think that’s what you are doing with this goal and vision that God has given you for the school. There will be some who doubt your ability to get the school open. They won”t understand that it isn’t in your own strength, will, or ability that you rely on.
Of course, that doesn’t keep your momma from being incredibly proud of the woman you are, of your tenacity and courage, and your faith in Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
I love you baby…grateful to be supportive in any way possible..