We finally came to a decision this week to send Philip back to Virginia this fall for schooling. We’ve been trying to fit him into the British system here, but that has just not been possible. They require 3 years of residency to qualify for resident rates at their sixth form schools (a British thing – kind of a bridge between what we would call high school and college) – and the overseas rates are about six thousand dollars a year. He’s also been struggling to find friends and needs the contact. He often spends 80-90% of his day in his room in front of his computer…not very healthy. We’re also a bit concerned about his ability to handle the rigors of college. Academically, he is very bright. But he struggles to fit his work in with the timing expected by his teachers (a disaster at college!). So having this bridge will hopefully enable him to stretch in those areas. Our plans are for him to live with the Leuzingers in Abingdon – in the very same house we lived in there! And he will be taking classes at a local homeschool coop and possibly at the local Junior College. He will also be finishing his prep for the SAT’s and will take them this fall. And of course, he’s excited about being able to play football – see his girlfriend – hang out with his best friends – and be near family! As you can imagine, this has been a difficult decision for us. We’re excited for him, but terribly sad to see him go. Four months is a LONG time for him to be away. We will reevaluate when he is home for Christmas and make a decision about Spring schooling then. He arrives in Atlanta on August 21st – and he needs to get up to Abingdon as quickly as possible (school actually starts that day). We need to arrange something with you all to see who might be able to pick him up (4:25 pm arrival) – ferry him to Chattanooga – and possibly take him as far as Knoxville for a hand off to the Leuzingers – either that day or the next. Let us know if anyone has the time and ability to help. And of course, keep us all in your prayers as we prepare for this huge change.
Hard Decision
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Wow!! Huge decision!! We’ll be prayin’. I just read the emaail aloud to the Galdeckers as they are here at our house helping us get the house ready to sell. I start my new job in Charlotte on Tuesday. Pray for me as I have a Boil on my Butt and it hurts very much to sit. It’s larger than a golf ball. How did you like that visual?
David
I will be sort of going through the same kind of thing that Philip will be going through, since I am going to graduate school. I will not see my family for a while, probably about three months or more, which is the longest I have been away from my family. I hope I will be able to see sometime before you return to England, Philip. I leaving for St. Louis on August 14th.
I will definitely be praying. I am often amazed at how the Lord works things out for our good–so amazed! I hope that we will be able to get together a lot with you, Philip, that would be nice!
Audrey
We will pray about this, and make ourselves available to his host family for ways in which we can help. As far as the trip from Atlanta to Chattanooga, the Churchills and we agreed to pay for his shuttle trip (Groome Travel). We haven’t talked about anything else, but will look into it.
Gary
Alan & Janie:
We can feel for your decision and we pray for God’s blessing in it. It is a different dynamic to see how God works in and through your children from a distance. We’re enjoying a week off from work and a visit from Nate.
Woody & Sharon
Thanks for all your prayers. Dad & Judy have offered to pick him up on the 21st and take him up to Abingdon on the 22nd. It would be nice if they could stop by for a quick lunch in Chattanooga to see some of you. And I’m sure he will look forward to times he can get down to see the family.
We are at Gary’s place and note that you accepted our offer us to pick up philip on the 21st. We have not yet received an email about this. Send information like flight number as well as time etc. We will go directly to Abingdon from Atlanta and not go through Chattanooga.
Dad & Judy
Dad said that to get to Abingdon from Chattanooga, it was quicker to take I-85 North from Atlanta than to go through Chattanooga.
We start school on the 22nd so couldn’t physically help. But later, we would always be glad to have Philip at our house for visits and holidays.
Janice
OK – I guess Philip will have to see you guys at a later time. Thanks for all your willingness to help. And please be in prayer for him as he travels. The London – USA flights are under a lot of scrutiny these days, subject to delays and constant terrorist threats. In fact, I’ve decided to send Philip’s laptop in his suitcase, rather than as a carry-on. I’m not sure if they would allow it at this point. So pray we can pack it safely enough and that it won’t get bumped too badly!
Yes, we’ve been thinking about that and will be praying for him.