Cristina was saved as a child (and is the daughter of missionaries), and Rick as a teenager (non-Christian home). Derek was saved several years ago. We've been members of The Church at Station Hill for 10 years (and in other evangelical churches prior) and have been involved in various aspects, including lay leadership roles. Derek is involved in the youth group and outreach through Station Hill, and he is faithful in spending personal time with God every day. We are striving to raise our kids (we also have two in college) to know the Lord!

*Community -- Derek really desires to learn alongside others, and he would love to make more friends! (He's a super social kid!) *Christ-centered culture *Classical approach to education -- especially in terms of writing, discussing, and public speaking, and hopefully an emphasis on the connection/relationship among the disciplines.

Over the 20+ years of raising our kids, we've placed a huge importance on church involvement and service, done a lot of Bible reading (with the kids and personal devotions), scripture memorization, and have had countless opportunities for discussions with the kids about different things from a biblical perspective. Rick listens to recorded sermons from at least one pastor (I think usually it's multiple!) several days per week. We've also placed a priority on our kids understanding Christian apologetics.

That Derek's writing, discussing, and public speaking abilities would be strengthened, and that he would see the connection/relationship among the disciplines. And lab science because that's hard for us to replicate at home! 🙃 That he would make some good, fun, Godly friends who are serious about their relationship with the Lord, and that his own relationship with Him would continue to grow.

Formation of virtue/character, studying "the good, the true, the beautiful," and observing the interconnectedness of all knowledge -- all within a biblical framework -- are vital. Engaging in Socratic discussions and honing the ability to communicate clearly are important features of any solid education, and studying the lives and writings of those who have come before us (the classics) is one excellent way of working toward that goal.

Authoritative (versus authoritarian or permissive) Create and maintain appropriate boundaries based on biblical principles Appropriate consequences Teaching them that there are absolutes (in addition to some gray areas) Discipleship Fairness Open mind -- consider things from the kids' perspective even if we end up making a different decision Help them navigate the new realities of this world (that our parents didn't have to deal with) within a biblical framework Lots of time, hugs, and "I love yous" ☺️