Homeschool Convention NOT just for resources =0)

This past Friday and Saturday Katelyn and myself, along with a friend attended the CHAP homeschool convention. What a treat that was to see all those other homeschooling families and ALL those resources! At first it can be overwhelming to see all that stuff, your not even sure where to start or what to look at!!!! 

From the weekend I wasn't really looking for anything special we already have our curriculum for this upcoming school year picked out I just need to finish my lesson plans. So I pretty much was going just to be encouraged by other mothers and look for some fun resources for the boys!

I find it so amazing how God leads certain people to each other at the perfect times. I remember last year at the convention there was a little girl with DS that reached out and grabbed Matt's bag while we were walking by, at that point we weren't sure if Katelyn would have DS but one look into that little girls eyes Matt and I were sold! We knew if Kate had Downs that it would for sure be just fine! Somehow I feel this was one of God's ways of letting us know she would in fact be blessed with and extra chromosome.

This year was no different, there were a few people we had a chance to met that was a wonderful surprise and blessing to us! First off we met a lady at our hotel that has 9 children ranging in age from 11 months to 17 yrs. She was an encouragement more than she knows, by seeing someone being able to homeschool with a family of 9 children and manage a household is amazing to me! Makes me feel like having 4 should be a walk in the park (haha at least sometimes). This lady was very friendly and sweet, you could sense God's presents in her spirit and it was refreshing to speak with her. After the few moments of talking with her my cell phone rang, not having any more hands she reached out to help with Kate. This is one of those times a mother normally would feel a little unease about passing her child off to a stranger but it wasn't like that at all. I felt like I had known this woman forever, a sister in Christ. She held Kate safely and talked to her sweetly, all the while Kate was soaking up the attention and giving her million dollar smiles! Having to leave for dinner we didn't get a chance to exchange information, but as I was walking away I prayed for Sherry and asked the Lord to give us as chance to met again if He seen it fit. If you have ever been to a convention this big you would realize the chance of seeing the same person again could be difficult. The Lord had it in His plan though. Thankfully Katelyn needed to nurse it just so happened to be the time when one of the speakers I was interested in hearing was about to talk about exploring the supermom myth so we headed to the room and sure enough who was there volunteering but Sherry. At first I wasn't sure if she realized it was us but when the speaker was almost finished she came over and said please could I hold Katelyn for you. I think Kate must have stolen another heart that day! She sure is stock piling them! haha We had a chance to talk afterwards and I was able to give her our information. What a huge blessing this was to met this wonderful lady! Sherry thank  you for your kindness to Katelyn and myself, it means alot to me!
We also had the chance to met two mothers with children with Down Syndrome. The first lady came up to us and said Katelyn was cute and then asked if she had DS. After saying yes she told me she was also blessed with a little boy age 3 with DS!!! We talked for awhile and then headed on our ways. Funny thing is after we parted I thought the same thing, (oh it would have been nice share contact information) so again I prayed and asked the Lord to lead us to each other again if He seen fit. Sure enough a little later Katelyn and I got a chance to me her and her husband during lunch and were able to exchange information. Thank You Lord for answered prayers! The second lady my friend noticed she had a little girl in a stroller with DS. We made a uturn and I said hello to Ashlyn (the little girl) she was sooo cute and happy! Reminded me of Kate soooooooooooooo much! We also exchanged information and Ashlyn's mother was able to give me alot of helpful information! So very thankful for both of these woman! It was so nice and encouraging to see two other mothers willing to homeschool their special needs children. Praise God for blessing us with support!
Lastly but most certainly I am so thankful for my friend Karin for asking me about the convention. Since Matt and I attended last year we weren't planning on going this year, but I am so glad Kate and I got a chance to go. It was such a fun time and Karin was able to get alot of advice and information on needed materials. Looking forward to the convention next year and seeing who God has in store for us to met!

Help Sponsor Katelyn Hovis for Down Syndrome Awareness

September 17, 2011 we were blessed with the birth of our daughter Katelyn Noel Hovis. she was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 better known as Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that involves having 3 sets of the 21st chromosome and has nothing to do with anything the parents done, honestly we think of it as God gift to us, He chose us for our miracle baby Kate.

Anyone has a chance of having a child with Downs but sadly over 90% of children with DS don't get the chance to live due to abortions. The information that is given to expecting parents if their child in fact has a chance of having DS is in simple words horrible! Yes, with Downs there is a lot of other health issues that CAN come with the condition as far as mentally and physical delays, heart problems and more. BUT no information is given about how wonderful these children are... and how the spectrum is so wide in their abilities and personalities.

Each year the NDSS has Buddy Walks all over the US to help raise funds for Down Syndrome Awareness. After much prayer we have felt lead to start our own fundraisers to help share the joys of having a child with Down Syndrome in hope that other see how much of a blessing Katelyn is to our family and how life with a child with Special Needs really isn't has bad as everyone makes it out to be. We have decided that we will be dividing any funds raised between 3 groups, first 50% will go to the Sponsor Katelyn in the 2012 Buddy Walk, 25% will go to our local Down Syndrome Support Group and the last 25% will go to the Pregnancy Center in Meadville PA.

With all that said I am asking everyone to join us in our efforts first and for most please keep us, other families with children with Down Syndrome and parents expecting a child with DS in your prayers. Secondly I am asking everyone to please consider donating to sponsor our little girl. God gave her to us for a reason and a purpose, we have a responsibility to do our best for her and other unborn children like baby Kate.

We have a few different ways that you can help. Easiest way is go to our family blog http://raisingwarriorsforchrist.blogspot.com/ and make a donation of any amount through Paypal.

DONATION BAR TOP RIGHT

 If you would like to make a donation through mail please send to:

Matt Hovis
24814 Highway 408
Cambridge Springs
PA 16403

Next we will be having a huge family yard sale June 14th, 15th, and 16th and are accepting items donated to be sold. Please contact us at mmhovis1@gmail.com to get more information or to request a time to drop off your items.

Lastly we will be having a candle fundraiser selling Our Own Candle Company Candles. More information will come about this at a later date.

In advance thank you for all your prayers, donations and help! God Bless each and everyone one of your!

In Christ,

The Hovis Family