That Wasn’t So Bad…

I think this statement after my first home visit was meant as a compliment. The Mom quickly added that she had no idea what to expect and wasn’t sure why I wanted to come by to visit. The second Mom admitted that when she saw my earlier note and saw I would be in her neighborhood she thought, “I’m not signing up for that!”

The biggest things were that they did not know what to expect and they were very self conscious. So let me share some more thoughts, now that I have my first two home visits under my belt.

1. We have great families! These visits confirmed what I already knew, you all are a fantastic collection of Christian parents. It was so great to just hang out and get to know the parents and students (and younger siblings).
2. I’m not the principal! One girl was a little nervous at having the principal come to visit. Then she remembered, I’m no longer the principal. She was relieved. “I’m not in trouble. Check!”
3. Just for fun. I had good visits and I think it was because the goal was just a social call. The kids could share as little or as much as they would like to. A kinder girl had me read her favorite book and a fourth grader wanted to read to me. Another showed me some of her artwork. One dad was working from the home, so he came out and we got to know each other a little better.
4. Not an Inspection #1: I am not coming to check up on you. I already know that you are all working hard and doing a good job. If you have things you want to share or ask, feel free. But I just love to see what a great variety there is in accomplishing the important job of discipling through education.
5. Not an Inspection #2: Please don’t worry about your house and neatness, etc. I have two daughters with young children, I know that some days, minutes before a visitor comes, the Lego bin gets turned over, water overflows a sink due to a sock stuck in a drain, and a glass of milk gets knocked over on the floor. Abby, my foster care daughter, has told me horror stories of what happens just before the caseworker shows up. My focus is not on your house, but on your great family and your one-of-a-kind children.
6. Need help or support? Though I expect most of my visits will be fairly light and great opportunities to get to know you, I want you to know that I am available if you would like some advice or troubleshooting. The ball is in your court to initiate more serious discussions.

Of course, you can always contact me directly if you would rather. Also, I will be reaching out to you as well, especially our new families. I’d like to make those visits by Week 10. I look forward to seeing you all, Christopher

P. S. One of the girls I saw today wondered if I am visiting everyone in one day. I laughed and said that was another guy with a white beard.