Permission Granted!

Today was a big day for our family.  After a year of ups and downs, we had a final custody hearing for my step-daughter today.  One of the main things up for debate was homeschooling.  Custody judges usually don't grant permission to homeschool if there is a debate between parents.  However, my husband and I both felt that we should at least present our case.  Jasmine has been diagnosed with disabilities in reading and comprehension, and with ADD.  She has followed her individual case plan (IEP) with the public school for years, and she hasn't made many improvements.  She makes progress each year, continuing to learn, but she doesn't make drastic improvements.  Every day was a struggle.  We brought in to testify the lady that has been Jasmine's main tutor for over 7 years.   She homeschooled her own children and has been wonderful with helping Jasmine. 

I didn't expect to get permission.  I was more focused on my husband gaining physical custody of Jasmine.  She went through a lot of stuff (best way to put it) at her mother's house.  We went through a year long process of counseling and social worker visits, all trying to help Jasmine overcome some issues.  While homeschooling was something my husband and I desired, we knew that we might not get the opportunity.  Her mother was indecisive.  One day she was against it, the next she was for it, then she would change her mind again.

After four years of homeschooling, I know that it can do wonders for children with learning disabilities.  I prayed, and felt God saying to at least present our case as humbly as we could.  Our lawyer was uncertain, even through the proceedings today, that we would ever be granted permission.  He blatantly stated that it was a long shot.  Still, I felt the urge to try.

When the judge came back with the determination that physical custody could remain with us, and that Jasmine could be homeschooled, my husband and our lawyer were in shock!  The judge himself stated that he usually doesn't rule in favor of homeschooling, but felt that this case was special.  I could only thank God, cause that was the power of prayer and obedience to God in following His urging to proceed.

I am thanking God right now!  The Lord has placed in my hands an awesome responsibility, and I want to honor Him in it.  Best of all, Jasmine gets to follow a God-honoring curriculum.  She gets to be in the Bible every day, learning about our precious Lord, as she learns about math, history, and science. 

Jasmine will receive help from her tutor.  However, I officially have a new student!  I just want to say, Welcome Home Jasmine!