Nutshell

So this is for those of you who have been wondering about "post military school dismissal." It can get long as I talk about the path to getting Peter enrolled in public school, my emotions, Peter's responses etc.  So I am going to try to provide a few highlights with enough info to let you know where things are.

 

• The City Schools started here on Wednesday. 
• We began the registration process with the school system on Monday.
• Due to a transcripts glitch and the crazy swamped counselor's office at the high school, Peter was finally signed up for classes today (yes Saturday afternoon) and will start school Monday.
• Peter will be a junior.  The school uses the block system meaning he takes four classes a semester with the potential of earning four full credits each semester.  This may be a beneficial set up for Peter.  Currently he is signed up for 3 academics and one elective (PE's) for each semester this year.  Peter will have his fourth opportunity to get his Algebra I credit.
• The house is currently stripped of TV's and Computer access for Peter.  He does not have a phone because he lost his and did not get a job this summer so he could replace it.  He walks to the library daily to have 2 hours of computer access and has been walking to the FLC to work out and shoot pool.  He has also reread the last 3 years of Sports Illustrated that his grandma has been providing for him. 
• Peter is excited not to be going to the military school.  Perhaps one area this has been most evident is in his planning of his wardrobe.  We made one trip to the school this week in which we anticipated Peter would get his schedule and attend classes.  He had specifically planned out his black and white ensemble.  When we left the school unsuccessful in getting him scheduled for classes he said,  "you mean I wasted a perfectly good outfit."  When I said he could wear it the next day, he said no he couldn't because people (all of 30 in the counselor's office out o 2,000 at the school) had seen him already.  After taking him home and making some enquiries about his transcripts, I left to return to work.  When I went to speak with him I found him trying on outfits and congratulating himself on looking good.
• I have grieved this week.  The grief stems from the loss of the support network that I had been developing at the military school.  It was also the rejection that once again Peter did not want this thing (the military school) that (through God's grace) I was giving him.  The grief will not instantly disappear but it is lessening.
• I am praying for wisdom to parent and guide Peter now that he is home all the time.  I am trying to look to the positives - I do see some.  I am reminding myself to be grateful for the 2 years Peter had at the school and the seeds that had been planted.  I am trying to let go of what was my agenda (Peter graduating from the military school) and trusting God's sovereignty.
• I am grateful for my new job.  It does not have some of the same stresses I was experiencing at the other school.  That is good considering that dealing with Peter on a daily basis can often be tiring. The staff at the school has been extremely understanding as I have come and gone this week in effort to get Peter in school. And the cute cuddly little three year olds I teach help to compensate for Peter's frequent prickles.
• I am grateful for the support of friends and family who have prayed and listened. It is very encouraging and greatly appreciated.