I'm definitely showing my age.

When I was growing up, my husband and I both lived in a tiny Missouri town roughly the physical size of the Waco airport  and the population of a Walmart on Saturday morning. What I'm saying is, it was small, and the streets didn't have names, but everyone knew which one to take. The one blinking red light tripped up some people when it was added to the main strip. But it was really a small inconvenience as it was hardly used, and taken down just a few short years later when it's cost didn't justify the use. 

   I could go on about the pluses and minuses of growing up in such a small town.  Everyone knew what was happening up at the water tower and the basketball games were mandatory, but there was also the opportunity to be involved in any sport/club/activity.  In larger communities a child has to be tested to find out what instrument he or she is suited.  In Gilman, you walked into the instrument closet and picked something out. And if you showed up and didn't squeak much, you were in the top half of the class. Just ask me some time how many instruments I "know" how to play. As a side note, have I ever told you I use to run hurdles?  All 5' 3" of me. 

   Conversely, it also gave everyone a chance to explore new activities that in larger areas might have seemed exclusionary or prohibitive. So when I became a freshman I journeyed into the halls (really a metal building) of the Ag shop and signed up. This city girl learned how to cut wood, weld metal, run a tractor and show a cow...all in my first year. I also joined FFA and gained leadership skills, learned public speaking and met great people.  I also learned the foundational principal that if you're willing to work hard, you can learn how to do anything. There is no limit to what a person can create, manipulate, explore or enhance if you have the tools, the space and a teacher. 

   Sadly, this isn't the traditional approach in larger schools.  It seems that children specialize younger and younger, and the chance for exploration is pushed aside for AP credit and college prep. We as a culture have also moved away from a "do it myself" attitude. Why should I learn to hem my own pants when I can have it done for $5 at the cleaners. Economy of time and money have replaced the idea of self reliance. While I'm always happy to save a buck (now more than ever), I've also sacraficed many a dollar down the proverbial garden or refurb drain in the name of experience.  Not just for my kids, or for me, but for the cultural experience of keeping alive the human calling to create with the work of our hands. The act of creating in itself is transformative. We believe passionately that this is an experience that should be offered to everyone. 

  If you believe this too, search us out and let us know. We would live to have coffee with you as we dream big dreams.