In June of this year, a big thing happened for me. I graduated from highschool. I had been homeschooled all my life and loved it, so it was a bittersweet thing for me when I was finished with it. Some of my other friends were graduating too and talking about what colleges they were going to and what degrees they wanted to get. I was really happy and excited for them and thought that it was great, but as for myself, I had no idea what God wanted me to do yet. I have always known that more then anything, I wanted to marry a godly man and be a wife and mom. But other than that it was a little fuzzy.

I had been praying about it but God was not opening up any doors or calling me to go to any big colleges (at least not yet, I don’t know what His future plans for me could be).  As strange as it might seem to some of my extended family members, though, I was very happy at home and wanted to continue to live and work here with my family for as long as God wanted me here. They may wonder why I want to stay in a  rural area with tiny towns and little economy, but I feel like this is where God wants me to be right now, so I am content. Besides I love it here, I have friends up here now, and I do not like cities, therefore I have no desire to live in one. And my family is happy to have me still be with them, so that is a huge plus.

My mom and dad were encouraging me though to at least start by getting some general education done. So, the question was can I get a college education and still be at home? The answer: Yes, I can!

One of the exciting things about technology is that you can do college classes online right from wherever you are, and still get college degrees and certificates in the things that interest you, or you feel God is calling you to, without having to leave your home or comprise your faith or beliefs. Lots of Christian colleges have online programs like “Liberty University,” and community colleges oftentimes offer online courses or classes close to you in your area in basic general ed things like math and science. You can also get your general ed credits by doing something called a “CLEP” test in both highschool and college. I have taken four so far and have gotten 15 college credits while still in highschool by doing that. Look it up online for more info.

At the moment I am taking a few practical courses like math, biology, computer art, and business all from home though our local community college . And I can still be involved with serving at the local youth group and our home church, be available for babysitting, still be learning about homemaking with my mom, raising my animals and helping my family, all while getting some college credits and learning some new skills.

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I don’t know yet where God is going to take me in the next few years, or when I’ll get married, or if He wants me  to get a college degree in something (or maybe not at all), but I do know that He has a perfect plan for me all worked out that He will reveal in His own perfect timing. Just as He has a grand plan all worked out for each and every one of us, and the important thing is to trust Him and follow wherever He is leading you. If getting a college education while still at home is something that you think God may be calling you to, then I highly encourage you to check it out , talk to your parents, pray, and then get started with it! 🙂

If you have any questions or comments about this, please feel free to write me in the comments box and I’ll try my best to answer them. May God bless you Ladies!!

-Anna