Member Showcase: Brandy Brockhausen

A Different Calling

Brandy Brockhausen taught middle school for 11 years, but after meeting a homeschooling family in her church, she sensed a different calling. “I loved teaching,” the Melbourne resident remembers, “but I continually felt like I was missing out on time with my children. It was like they were growing up, and even though we were together a lot, I felt like I was so busy with work, I wasn’t getting to enjoy them.”

After much prayer, Brandy and her husband decided she would stop working outside the home and that they would homeschool their two boys. It has been three years, and “We love it!” Brandy declares. The Brockhausens joined SPLASH, an FPEA-recognized homeschool group in Brevard County, where they have made many like-minded friends while participating in various classes, field trips and other fun activities. They also belong to a local homeschool running club that meets twice a week and gives the boys opportunities to exercise and play games.

The Brockhausens see their homeschool calling more than in academic terms, but also as a spiritual mission. “Yes, we want our children to be academically prepared for college and the future,” Brandy explains, “but most importantly we want them to become godly men.” She cites the biblical proverb “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” as her guide in all things related to homeschooling.

As a former teacher and a self-described “curriculum junkie,” Brandy sometimes struggles with peace of mind over her curriculum choices for her boys. “I often have a hard time deciding what to choose,” she admits, “and budget is always a concern. I want to give my children the best-quality real-life education possible, and it is really hard not to second-guess yourself sometimes.” Brandy is especially concerned about the 2012-13 school year, as the Brockhausens’ older son will start high school and they committed to homeschooling them until we graduate. Ultimately, Brandy trusts in God to guide her decision-making and to provide what they need.

One source of provision and help for Brandy and her family on their homeschooling journey has been the FPEA. “From answers to simple questions through the website and publications,” she says, “to finding out what other homeschoolers have to say about high school, the information I need is readily accessible.” Brandy also enjoys satisfying her inner curriculum junkie in the exhibit hall at the Convention.

“Homeschooling is by far the most challenging thing I have ever done, but also the most rewarding,” Brandy concludes. “There are days when it is really, really hard. But when I go to bed at night, I feel so content knowing that my time and energy has gone into the people who matter most to me in this world.”