The Best Field Trip Ever... Is It Over?

Well, the kiddos are officially out of school. Our 6 week field trip to the public schools has been one of the most "growing" experiences I've had in years. I have learned so much about God and trust, fear and faith, judgment and grace.
As we end this "field trip" I stand completely torn on whether to send my children back or not.
I had set the public schools up to be such a villain, and I was quite suprised to see that they were not quite as bad as I had assumed. In fact my harsh judgment I was creating a wedge between me and the unsaved families of my community. My ability to outreach was completely crippled by my attitude.

I often write pros and cons lists to help me (along with prayer of course). Here are a few:

PROS:

Kids schedule is more organized (this has been a major issue in homeschool for some of my kids who need more structure than I offer)

Kids have many friends (this will appear under the con list as well)

We have tremendous outreach opportunities

Kids are experiencing a sense of accomplishment

We are tackling issues and growing spiritually as a family

My house is SO much cleaner :+)

I never hear "Mom, I'm BORED"

I am learning to trust God and not live in fear

My kids are having an opportunity to develop interests beyond my scope, for example, who knew that my oldest who hates sports would LOVE volleyball? Or my other daughter loves the flute?

My kids are actually sharing the gospel! THAT is SO cool!


CONS:

The kids are growing apart from each other

They are far too advanced for their grade (and can get a bit bored)

While there are a nice handful of Christian Kids, I find that my kids are generally unequally yoked with the majority of the kids

Our kids are having to stand up daily for their morals and beliefs (this could be a pro, but It gets exhausting for such young kids to have to do this daily... how long can they last?)

My kids ARE hearing about things I'd wrather they not.

My 11 year old daughter has been asked out by nearly every boy in her class (this bothers me a lot, but to her credit she has stood firm in her "No's" despite some ridicule)

The education is sadly lacking (although FAR better than I thought it would be)

They are picking up on some childish behaviors unique to school kids (like talking in text message! OMG that is SO annoying).

I can clearly see the influence other kids have on my children, and THAT is probably the most disturbing of all.

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So, with all that said, I will be in regular prayer through out the Summer. I would hate to leave the kids who God has placed a tender spot in my heart for. Still, my children's souls are of my primary concern. I have watched such growth, and seen my kids turn to God because they finally have a reason to. That has been so fantastic for them, yet I wonder how long they can withstand the pressures of a peer group so different in moral and spiritual beliefs.
Two of my children want to go back, two do not, but while I love to hear their opinions, this is NOT their choice to make, nor is it mine. I am leaving this one up to God.
Fellow blog friends, would you pray for me? These last 6 weeks have been a God thing, a huge learning experience for me AND my children, but the school system has the potential to be a very dangerous mission field, God's hand MUST be on it..... Is it time for my little missionaries to come home???? Hoping for clarity of God's will before September! ~Karlie