Praying for An Exceptional School

Written by Jina Yoo

As another new school year begins, I have mixed feelings as a parent…especially as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. On one hand, I am excited for another school year for my children- an opportunity to grow and learn not only academically, but socially, emotionally, and in overall life skills. On the other hand, school has not always been easy for us. We have experienced the hardship of finding the right school setting for my son on the spectrum. It can bring feelings of anxiety, stress, and disappointment. Ultimately, I must have faith- I must believe the Lord loves my children more than I do and that He has a plan for them!

Our past difficulty in finding the right fit for my son’s education has revealed a huge need in our lives. Our son would thrive in a school setting that can help manage his behavioral and sensory needs, while still giving him the chance to learn and advance academically. Currently, we have not been able to find such a school in the Triangle. If given the right environment, I KNOW that my son can learn, not only life skills, but academic knowledge. In the past couple of years, I have witnessed him advancing academically (at his own pace) as our friend has kindly taken on the task of teaching him in a one-on-one setting at home.

I know that Lawrence and I are not alone in this need for a different kind of school- a school that helps children regulate their bodies throughout the day so that their minds can soak up the knowledge they are being taught, a school that has enough resources to accommodate disabilities, a school with smaller teacher-to-student ratios yet one that is affordable, a school that is self-sustaining, a school that brings children and teens together who are different and gives them hope for their future!

On our own, this task is way too big and far beyond our reach, but we know the Lord can do anything. If our dream for this school becomes a reality, we will know that it was completely by the power and generous love of God. Would you pray with me? Will you ask the Lord to provide the land, building, administration, teachers, therapists, and students that are necessary to build this school in the Triangle?

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about our hopes and vision for this school, please feel free to reach out to Lawrence or me. Thank you for being a community that appreciates the ways all children reflect the image of God and for being a church that trusts God with big things!