A New Era

Life has a beautiful way of teaching us, doesn't it?

Recently, my family was given a tremendous gift that has brought perspective and renewed vision. We thought we had a solid plan and things figured out, but in my heart, I knew we were missing something. In an earnest attempt to fill the hole, I made myself busy doing lots of great things. I had some struggles in my formative years in my family of origin and desperately needed a community. I was seeking a village and was willing to build it! That's what motivated me to build Zion's Academy.

It has changed over the years; it's what I envisioned in some ways and very different in others. Ultimately though, I am happy to have found my village: a beautiful, inclusive, joyful community of families that I adore. I love being here and that love has motivated me through the hard times and encouraged me week by week. Building has been transformational for me. It's been hard and rewarding. It's been incredible and challenging. It seems that's the most effective method for learning, at least for me.

We've gathered every week with parents teaching structured classes. We've implemented date nights routinely. We've had retreats. We've learned to work together and to course correct along the way. We have had disagreements. We've discovered things that work and things that don't. We had a lovely building to meet in. Then that building sold. Ultimately, we've discovered the complexity and inspiration all wrapped up in an organization that is living.

Not only is Zion's Academy a living organization, it exists to grow and serve those who are part of it. This is servant leadership and friendship. It's a group that requires all who are part to truly to be a part and to own their seat at the table. I've learned along the way how important common values are in building a community like this.

Our vision and mission sum things up pretty well, but here are a few values we appreciate and work to embody in our group.

• Servant leadership

• Authenticity

• Commitment and investment to building relationships (intended to last more than a short time!)

• Willingness to work for one's desired outcome (you get what you put in)

• Engaging in and resolving conflict

• Lifelong learning

• Faith

• Respect for others, their contributions and time

• Love of self, healthy boundaries

• Honesty with God, ourselves, and others

Interestingly enough, many of these things I have learned here at Zion's Academy! I've been taught and encouraged by so many of the most amazing women, men, children, and whole families! We're building a community here, we're focused on hearts, and we're delighted to be together.

Academics take place in family settings. We gather for what many see as merely enrichment. We recognize the vitality of said enrichment: time to play, to mentor, to encourage, and to support. Some years, this looked like weekly classes. We've done a year with LEMI, but we've settled on the Well-Educated Heart philosophy as our guide. We love TJ Ed, we love Charlotte Mason, we love Waldorf (and more!). Some years, we've had a more flexible schedule. Each year, we've grown!

I've been asked about a statement of faith, which is common in many areas. I've lived in these places and felt terrible when my faith excluded me from participating. That's why we have a simple approach here: write your own statement of faith, share it with us if you'd like. Then we can all encourage each other to live out the faith we state. I much prefer this approach. To be clear, it's not about perfection, but intention.

If you revisit previous posts, you'll see how things have changed over the years. What an amazing adventure! It's seriously the honor of a lifetime to have been a part of something so genuine, so warm, so good.

And here we are at the beginning of another beginning!

Remember my mention of something that was missing? That something was actually someone. She joined us this year. Sometime I'll share her story with you all.

For now, it suffices to say, she has brought healing and teaching from Heaven with her. I've learned the importance of what I've expressed here. I readily admit, I've not been the best at being flexible with the various seasons of life in running an organization with various needs. That said, I have worked hard to provide what we promise to provide. I've also been diligent at staying true to the vision and mission. I've diligently applied the expectations and rules fairly to all. I don't regret any of that. Unfortunately, I've not given myself or others much grace in the transitions and season of life. I'm learning. And this sweet girl has reminded me that the most important thing is to keep the most important thing the most important thing.

What's the most important thing, you may be wondering?

I'll let you decide and bring it with you.

We're showing up for each other this year again, same as always. Beginning in May, we will utilize our group chat to determine what each mom and her family are looking for this year. Then we'll get to work building it. We have the flexibility and freedom to be as low-key or as robust as the families who join want it to be! Remember, some can be low-key and others can be robust. We don't have to be the same! I am sincere when I say, you get what you put in.

We welcome all who have the spirit of collaboration, women who are seeking sisterhood, men who are willing to take a shot at brotherhood, those who mentor and those who want or need mentoring. We love people who can be vulnerable, candid, brave, considerate, and helpful. We're not looking for those who pop in on occassion, show up last minute routinely, or comply with whatever everybody else wants.

We need people and voices that have ideas and are willing to bring them to life! We live in unprecedented times. May I be so bold as to ask: why not have an unprecedented year of growth, listening to and trusting God's leadership and sharing the journey of faith?

It's going to be an extraordinary year here as we lean into that which is sweet, beautiful and even holy.

Interested in joining us?

Returning families: register here.

New families: apply here.

As always, much love!

Britt