Moving/Finding Community … strains and stresses!

[Claire]

Hi everyone!  Is it too bold to request a little comfort, prayers and warm wishes?  Isn’t it ok to ask for what you need? 🙂 

I know I mentioned my fears when it was a possibility, but now I am living in the New Orleans area and really missing the warm fuzzy feeling of Florida homeschooling.  I laughed at the discussion about how folks react to homeschooling.  I’m feeling the double pressures of a state the completely rights you off when you choose to homeschool and a social culture that isn’t too keen on the whole stay at home mom/house wife thing either.  One woman, who teaches with my husband, said that I’d clearly gone to college for my MRS degree when she discovered I stayed home!  I suggested that he not introduce us since I wasn’t sure I could respond without being unpleasant. I am very proud of my choices, but I still see that type of comment to be meant as a clear insult.

it is tough leaving a homeschool community to try to find your way in a new one.  I am finding strength and courage in exploring all the wonderful opportunities here – Audubon, museums, etc. – and in the joy and excitement of the kids over their new city life. Can anyone share their experiences moving?  I seem to remember a lot of folks on here talking about it.

Are there a few on here who live in this area?

[LDIMom]

Bless your heart! {{{Here’s a hug!}}}

OK, I’m not in NOLA, but I visited once and it was a great place to visit. I do envy all of your museums!!!

MY first thought was to turn to google for you and this came up: http://localhs.com/?Orleans,LA

Maybe you could look into that as it sounds like they have groups that meet and you can choose based on your preference.

And then this came up too and they have future events posted, so it is definitely a functioning group.

http://www.nolahomeschoolers.com/

It is interesting b/c we had a thread not too long ago about how many of us feel sort of isolated for one reason or another. I am in an area that is inundated with HS families, and what I find is that many already have their groups and so for us just starting 4 years ago it has been hard to find a place to fit too.

I hope you can find your new normal. Oh and that lady with the MRS comment: I wouldn’t even waste any energy on her. What a hateful thing to say! And if you do have to encounter her, just try to be as kind as possible and realize that some people really can’t see that any other way of life might have value and merit. This is sad for her truly.

[Claire]

Thanks!  What a fantastic reply you sent LDIMom.  Google to the rescue!!!  I appreciate it so much.  I think you’re right on the money with the nagging feeling of isolation that we all sometimes feel too.  I remember that thread.  I’m sure we will be just fine very soon.  I just needed a place to vent a little. 

Ok, ready for TMI?  Here goes …

You know, thinking about it a little more today (on a long and beautiful walk on the levee) I realized that my son is pressuring me a bit with the whole *find-friends-fast* thing and that it has made me a little more trepid and neurotic than usual – ha! ha!  From our conversations I see that he had not really thought through what it would mean to move away from the friends he’s known so long and the sense of community he had.  He’s a super social kid and loves meeting new people.  I assured him today that in time we will build up a great new base of friends.  Of course this all being said after he met a neighbor while scootering (with me on the porch watching, no less) and had her ask him over to sit in front of some video games with her kids. 

Am I horrible for putting the big, giant mommy breaks on that one?  I did so by politely thanking her for the invitation and saying he had plans with his father at the moment (which he did, no lie).  And by explaining to him that I’m not ever going to be the kind of mom who just says “Sure thing! Have fun!” when it comes to folks I don’t know having my child in their home.  I also took the time to talk to him a bit about how it is important to find friends who share our values and our beliefs and that until I knew this family better I couldn’t make that determination.  

[missceegee]

Claire, how exciting for your family. I’ve only been to New Orleans once and the food was grand! Wishing you peace and joy as you settle in. Christie

[Claire]

Thanks Christie!

We are having so much fun and settling in slowly … it’s always bumpy but exciting.  Oh, the food is too good … if you know what I mean.    I had forgotten how wonderful it was and snowballs … YUM. 

 

 

[LDIMom]

@claire, I definitely would not have allowed any of our children to go INSIDE a neighbor’s home that I do not know. In fact, we have just one that I’ll allow them inside. Playing in the yards of ones directly near us when I can see them, yes, but not inside the home. So, no, you’re not horrible! Just doing your job as his Mommy!

I do hope you can find some friends soon and in the meantime, I have found a great community here! Glad you came to look for some comfort and prayers here too!

[simple home]

My sister in law has deep family roots in NOLA. They love it there! She is a wonderful advocate for preserving the historic parts and even remodeled an old home recently in the historic district. She is catholic and my nieces attend a private catholic school. There is a new French immersion school that just opened last year. It’s supposed to be outstanding!

Of course the hurricanes are not good. I hope you guys stay safe and have a place to go if needed. My brother and his wife’s family usually travel to Jackson, MS if there is serious threat.

Not sure how homeschooling is there, but from my visiting experience there is so much to go and see. We loved the zoo and museums. Oh, and the food and fun shopping too!! 🙂 blessings to you and your family!