For my family, and many others, this week marks the official return to school amidst the pandemic. My oldest headed back to school for in-person instruction this Wednesday, and he and I both have a lot of feelings and thoughts swirling around this truth. For months, we've been at home together, navigating virtual learning, and trying to make the best out of the summer break. 

While we learned at home during the months of March, April, and May, I had no idea how frustrating it would become for me as a working mom, to work and teach from home. It was hard to manage, and I gained a whole new type of love, respect, and appreciation for the teachers and staff at my son's school. I never realized how much I relied on them. I never realized how much I needed them. I never realized how much I (the parent) missed their loving demeanor and smiling faces at drop off and pick up time. I never realized how much I loved and missed them, not to mention the loss I knew my child was dealing with in missing his teachers and his friends, as well as the structure of his usual daily routine.

This week, we stepped back on campus for orientation. We were masked, staggered by last name, and only one parent and child were allowed to  attend. It was so very different. When we drop off in the mornings, we'll be starting the drop off a little earlier to allow time for temperature checks before entry into the building. That will also be so very different.

What won't be different, however, will be the love, the joy, and the excitement that greet us back on campus. We are so fortunate to belong to a loving Christian school community that operates as one big family. Sending my son back to school is a choice, one that I've struggled to make. Is it the right decision? Am I exposing him to the virus every time he walks through the doors? There's still so much that is unknown. We're learning new information each and every day. For me, this all comes down to trust. Trusting that the Lord's gentle nudge to send my child back to school (when I could easily decide to homeschool) is the right decision. For my child, I know that being in a loving learning environment with his friends and teachers who love and care for him is the best thing I can give him. To have him in an environment where his mind will be stimulated, where he will be challenged, and where he can receive the attention and socialization he desperately needs right now- yes, it's the right decision.

2020 Spelling Bee (with Grammy Leslie)

Knowing that every precaution is being taken, every health and safety measure is properly in place, and that we have a loving school staff to help ease parents' worries makes me feel so much better. I can't argue with science- facts are facts, but with this virus, they are changing by the day. We don't yet know enough about it, and I refuse to 'put life on hold' while we wait, out of fear. Time won't stop- we won't get these years back, and we've already missed so much in these past few months.

Will we be back to virtual learning in a month's time? I don't know. There's so much that I just don't know. I know that my kids aren't invincible, and that it's my job to protect them... I do, and I take that job very seriously, but it's also my job to make sure they are educated, loved, cared for, and make connections with others. Nothing could have prepared us for this, and yet- there's a peace I've come to know, and as I send my child back to school this week, I can smile, proud of my decision, and say, 'it is well with my soul.'

I leave you with these words, and the promise that I, and the entire team here at Mommy's Block Party is praying for you, and over you this back to school season (whatever that looks like for your family).

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say

It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well

With my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul

Peace I leave with you...