Merrifield Times

The switch to a large, public middle school from a small, private Christian one last Fall was obviously a significant change for Trevor and Hannah. They have adjusted fabulously to the new social scene of a much more diverse school, their increased academic challenges, riding a city bus to school , and our unusual living arrangement. They have taken advantage of many new elective opportunities like swimming, robotics, wood shop, drama, and kitchen science and earned straight C1's (the best grade possible) in the first trimester. While helping the kids get settled into their new school along with looking for volunteer opportunities, Jolyn was offered a part-time job as the school's Mentor Program Coordinator. She's responsible for over thirty adult volunteer mentors who meet with a student once a week. The program is thriving and it's rewarding to serve at-risk kids by providing them with a caring, consistent, positive adult role-model.

Although our house was on the market , it became unlikely that a move could be pulled off in time for the beginning of the 08-09 school year. Wishing to avoid transferring the kids mid year, we explored renting a place within the Eugene School District boundary. We were blessed with a wonderful offer from good friends to rent the lower level of their home in the District area which had our schools of choice. The rental amounts to something more like communal living than a landlord and tenant relationship. Our two families share meals, evenings, rides, and much of our lives these days. Mike and the kids stay at the “Winter Palace” 3 or 4 nights a week. The kids ride the city bus to school and back unless it's time to return to the “Country House,” where Jolyn stays at night with the furry members of our household. We all spend some of the evening together unless there are other activities (oh, that never happens...). It's not easy nor ideal but it's working out prett...