I’d like to introduce you to Amy. We met during a recent Twitter Chat. She had so many good ideas about special needs homeschooling, I contacted her later and asked if her blog could be featured at DifferentDream.com. In today’s post, she answers some questions about how her blog www.onajoyfuljourney.com began.

Would you introduce us to your family and your connection to the world of special needs?

My husband and I have been married for 21 years.  It has been such a joy to be married to my best friend and soul mate.  As I look back on our years together, I am in awe of how richly blessed we are and am excited about where God is leading us.

We have two living children.  Kiera is 19 years old and a college sophomore.  Reagan is 16 years old and was born with Down Syndrome.  My experience in the world of special needs really began with the birth of my first child.  Michelle was born with severe, and ultimately fatal, heart defect.  Her challenges added a new dimension to my faith journey and her passing has deepened by love for the Savior who gave me the strength to persevere…who never left us during our trials.

Why did you begin your blog about special needs homeschooling?

Initially, I began blogging to chronicle our special needs homeschooling journey during the teen years while my husband was attending seminary.  I have a small blogging niche offering support to others homeschooling children with Down syndrome.  Blogging lead me to write a book about home education and children with Down Syndrome.

What do you want your blog to accomplish?

The focus of my blogging has changed over the course of time.  The Holy Spirit has long been whispering to me about the lack of support in our faith communities for individuals with special needs – including that of my daughter with Down syndrome.  In January of 2008, I attended a local conference promoting ministry alongside individuals with special needs and I knew it was time for me to seriously consider the work that needs to be done in our community.  My blog mirrors my journey today in formalizing my new ministry alongside individuals with special needs.  I want to bring awareness of this mission field to the forefront.  It can no longer live solely in my thoughts but must become a reality in the life of all of our faith communities.

What kind of response has it garnered?

I am well-known in the home education and Down Syndrome community.  I have put in many years of research into how children with Down Syndrome learn.  I have been  blessed with a format to share what I know from my research and experience.  Blogging has allowed me to consolidate my research and experience and turn it into an e-book which has been read by more than 8000 viewers.  It is available at no cost on Scribd.com (http://www.scribd.com/doc/30242645/Homeschooling-Children-with-Down-Syndrome) and is the result of my ministry to others who homeschool children with Down yndrome.

I am very new to the world of ministry alongside people with special needs.  I have been warmly welcomed in that community and am moved by those who are willing to share and help me begin my formal ministry.

Come Back Tomorrow!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the rest of Amy’s interview when she shares advice with parents of kids with special needs. It’s encouragement you won’t want to miss!

Part Two

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