Winter 2017

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WINTER 2017 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 5
Happy New Year! 2017 is a special year for us because it
marks the 25th Anniversary of The Network of Iowa Chris-
tian Home Educators.
So, what exactly are we celebrating? Maybe, for some of
our active volunteers, it is a remembrance of all the tears
and sweat they have invested. Maybe it is a time to reflect
on all the friendships forged with those we have served
alongside. But, perhaps, the best way we can celebrate is
by retelling the stories of how God has used NICHE to en-
courage and help families across Iowa who felt God’s call-
ing to disciple their
children at home.
In this spirit, I would
like to invite you to
help us tell the story
of how God has been,
and continues to be,
at work through-
out the Iowa home-
schooling move-
ment. Perhaps you
have a story about
the pioneering days
of homeschooling
in Iowa. Maybe there is some small way NICHE has been
a blessing to you in the past or recently. Or perhaps you
are a 2nd generation homeschooler who can tell us how
God has used your homeschool education to prosper and
guide your path today.
I’ll start by sharing a couple of pieces of my story. I was
homeschooled K–12. The flexibility of homeschooling al-
lowed my parents to tailor my education so that I was able
to learn practical skills like welding and running a busi-
ness—skills that have been invaluable to me in my college
education and career.
Back in high school, I always looked forward to the NICHE
conference when I could work side by side with teen vol-
unteers from across the state and where many friendships
were cultivated. In fact, it was at a NICHE conference that
I reconnected with my wife-to-be. I remember thinking “I
hope I can be worthy of marrying a woman like this some-
day.” That someday came about 5 years ago and, praise
God, she must have thought I was good enough because
she said “Of course [I will marry you]!”Now we have a busy
home with 3 (going on 4) beautiful children.
As a second generation homeschool dad, I certainly don’t
know it all just because I was raised in a homeschool en-
vironment. I feel like I
have evenmore ques-
tions than ever. How
in the world did my
parents pull this off?
But, the foundation
is already there, and,
most importantly, the
vision is solid. We are
going to disciple our
children at home in
Christ’s ways through
high school (yes, you
can remind my wife
and I of this when we
feel like quitting). Now we enjoy going to NICHE events
even more to meet like-minded friends, get fresh ideas,
and enjoy Christian encouragement in this homeschool
journey.
Well, enough about me. We would love to hear your sto-
ry! Please send submissions of articles or short video clips
to NICHE We hope to
use some of your submissions in our upcoming events and
publications. We look forward to hearing from you!
Joe Bailey is a second generation homeschool dad of 3 (go-
ing on 4) children. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are members of
the Homeschool Iowa board.
FINDING YOUR NICHE
BY JOSEPH BAILEY