The Homeschool Swap- The Real Gift

My opportunity was on the way!

The opportunity for me to step outside of my introverted ways. The opportunity to open my newly finished and almost empty home. The opportunity to have company while my husband was so far away. 

Some would say it was foolish to let a practical stranger come stay at my house, but that’s the thing. Heather didn’t feel like a stranger. Even though we met only briefly at a homeschool convention, I knew her in a way I don’t know my own neighbors. I knew her through blogging.

photo by: Sprittibee

When I sent my first post into the cloud of search engines, I never imagined friendships would form. Friendships created not on externals, but on ideas shaped with words.

Even though writing doesn’t peel away our flesh, souls are revealed over time. And time is on Heather’s side. She has been blogging at Sprittibee for FIVE years.

photo credit: Sprittibee

I was so blessed to have Heather’s beautiful family in my home. They arrived late and had to leave early, but our time together was refreshing. Our children became instant friends.

I got to hold the baby while the boys chatted about Star Wars Lego faster than my brain could process the words. The girls enjoyed drawing pictures together.

The gifts Heather sent me for The Homeschool Swap are still making me smile. Many of the presents brighten my new kitchen: a cute towel, a stainless steel bowl (the perfect size for blogging munchies), a timer (which I really needed), and a cool magnetic spice container.

The artsy, handmade cards for each of my children were carted off immediately. Sweet Pea claimed the fairy wand, and Bug built the Lego set in mere seconds. Sunshine decided the CD was for her. She was not disappointed. Heather filled it up with pictures of the visit.

These last photos of our time in Texas brought tears to my eyes. She captured not only my children, but little glimpses of my house with new eyes.

photo credit: Sprittibee

The package was only a representation of the real gift: her friendship.

Thank you so much, Heather!

You can read Heather’s side of the story here.