Episode 285: Finding Balance in Ministry with Susanne Norris
A Delectable Education Charlotte Mason Podcast
Deep Dive
How did Suzanne Norris first encounter the Charlotte Mason Method?
Suzanne Norris first encountered the Charlotte Mason Method while researching homeschooling options for her children. She began hearing about it early in her homeschooling journey and found the ideas intriguing, though initially unfamiliar. She listened to podcasts, including A Delectable Education, which felt like learning a new language at first. The concept of a 'living education' and the broad feast of ideas resonated with her, despite her initial fears about her own deficiencies and the challenges of her lifestyle.
What challenges did Suzanne face in balancing homeschooling and ministry work?
Suzanne faced challenges in balancing homeschooling and ministry work, particularly as her family grew and homeschooling required more time. She had to prioritize homeschooling, which meant pulling back from some ministry activities. When her family moved to Canada, she had to be more deliberate about building relationships with the people group they were working with, as it was no longer as easy as it had been in Central Asia. She also dealt with feelings of guilt and comparison, especially during extreme weather conditions in Central Asia that limited her ability to get out of the house.
What positive benefits have Suzanne's children gained from growing up in a ministry family?
Suzanne's children have gained numerous positive benefits from growing up in a ministry family. They have been exposed to a wide range of godly people, including missionaries, church planters, and homeschooling moms, who have poured into their lives. They have also developed skills by helping out with events, such as teaching finger knitting or brush drawing. Additionally, they have traveled extensively and been born on three different continents, giving them a unique global perspective. These experiences have built their confidence and willingness to engage with others.
What advice does Suzanne offer to ministry mothers or homeschooling moms?
Suzanne encourages ministry mothers and homeschooling moms to focus on their inner renewal through God's Word and being among His people. She references 2 Corinthians 4:14-18, emphasizing that while the outer self may be wasting away, the inner self is being renewed day by day. She advises moms to be in the Word consistently, even during difficult seasons, as these habits will sustain them and lead to inner renewal. She also highlights the importance of partaking in the living education they provide their children, as it fosters joy, tenderness, and compassion.
How did Suzanne's lifestyle in Central Asia impact her ability to engage in ministry and homeschooling?
Suzanne's lifestyle in Central Asia, particularly the extreme weather conditions, significantly impacted her ability to engage in ministry and homeschooling. For about nine months of the year, it snowed, and for four of those months, temperatures dropped to negative 40 or 50 degrees. This made it difficult to leave the house with young children, limiting her ability to engage in ministry activities outside the home. She often felt guilty about not being able to do more, but she learned to accept the circumstances she couldn't control and focus on what she could do within her capacity.
- Homeschooling in a foreign country with limited resources.
- Discovering the Charlotte Mason method and adapting it to a mobile lifestyle.
- Transitioning from Central Asia to Canada and the challenges of building community in a new environment.
Shownotes Transcript