04/16/2026
I know without a doubt that God called me to start Vibrant Minds. There is no question in my mind. There is absolutely no way I could have started this school without Him, and no way I could have sustained it this year without Him. We would not have become accredited or accomplished everything we did in our first year without Him.
Vibrant Minds has become my second home and a huge part of who I am. I have poured every part of myself into this space, my time, my energy, my finances, and so much of my heart. From creating it, to planning, to hosting events for our community, to every single day inside these walls. I love my students so much. Yes, one of them is my son, and the other is an amazing young lady. I truly believe in what we have built here.
We have been part of some incredible stories this year. The family of the little girl I tutor has become such a meaningful part of our lives. The kids who joined us during snow days, the homeschool students who came in for enrichment days, the families who have used our space for birthday parties and become part of our community, and those who have come to our events. I feel so blessed by the people who have walked through our doors, and I know we have been a blessing to them in return.
I have seen so much growth. Not just in my own son, but in my student and my tutoring student. I am so incredibly proud of the progress they have made this year, the projects they have created, the learning they have experienced, and the way they have grown in their thinking and confidence. The time we have spent together has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life.
But I also have to be real. It has been a struggle to sustain. We do not receive any outside assistance. I am working a second job to make everything happen. The planning, the marketing, the events, building connections with homeschool families, offering free opportunities to our community, and simply keeping the lights on.
I am starting to feel my 47 years. I love spending my days with my students. I am delivering groceries in the evenings and on weekends to help keep the school open. My late nights are spent lesson planning and attending graduate school through Missouri State to become a teacher of the visually impaired. I want to better support my son, and I know this certification will be a blessing in a community where there is such a need.
I am not focused on being paid. I just want to see this school stay open and support itself so I can continue to do what I love and pour into this community, and maybe even have a little more time with my family. But I am questioning whether that is possible, or if this is something our community truly wants.
I am questioning my purpose. I am questioning whether this was meant to be a season, a time to pour into just a few families who needed it most this year.
I have started to consider applying for a teaching position next school year outside of Vibrant Minds. It is not what I want. It would not be an easy decision or transition. I know it would bring stability to my family, but it would also mean stepping away from something I deeply love, and from the time and flexibility I have with my kids and my students.
So I am reaching out to my community.
Is Vibrant Minds something we want here? Is this a space our community needs?
Because I believe it is. But I cannot do it alone. I trust that if this is meant to continue, God will bring the right families to us.
I do not believe we are meant to walk through decisions like this alone, so I am sharing this in faith. I am not in a place of desperation. I am in a place of reflection, prayer, and trying to listen.
I will always finish out everything I have committed to. That has never been a question.
But I am at a point where I have to decide what comes next, including whether we will renew our lease.
If you have ever considered Vibrant Minds, whether for summer camps or the upcoming school year, now is the time to reach out, ask questions, and come see what we are about. Share this post. Share our school with others. Help the families who might need this space find it.
And if nothing else, I would truly appreciate your prayers as I seek Godโs direction for this next step, for this school, for my family, and for where I am meant to be.
