Michele has been married to Mike since 1985 (39 years and counting) and has come to WISDOM with an array of family life experiences given the children with which they have been blessed.
Their homeschooling adventure began in 1994, having 'bumped' into some homeschooling families both at church and in the community. An introductory meeting at a homeschooling presentation ignited their openness to embarking on the adventure. Upon moving to Lamont, 40 minutes east of Edmonton, the Barters slipped quietly into town and began to homeschool their 4 children. Michele was thrilled (most of the time) to be able to have her children home with her.
Moving out to an acreage brought their family into a great appreciation of God's creation. Opportunities for responsibility, play, work, and pleasure abounded as they delved into the typical activities of country living: gardening, sheep, chickens, horses, septic maintenance….
As the years passed, 5 more children (and characters) were added to the ranks and flavoured the Barters' homeschool journey.
Currently, Michele and Mike enjoy 7 grandchildren by their eldest who married a formerly homeschooled fellow, and another 5 grandchildren from a free-spirited second daughter who also married a homeschooler. Their eldest son graduated with a B. of Psychology from King's University, and earned his Masters from St Paul's, Ottawa. The fourth-born married and is enjoying work as journeyman Cabinet Maker and business owner. Their fifth-born married a homeschool gal and they have two children so far. Number six is married and pursuing a plumbing apprenticeship. Of the remaining ones, two are currently in the labour force, and the last one is finishing high school in 2025.
Michele and Mike appreciated WISDOM’s philosophy from the beginning. One of WISDOM's original families, they believe in the importance of upholding parents as primary educators, giving the family a fighting chance to be the foundation of a decent society. Michele (and Mike - the driver) joined the facilitator team in the fall of 2000, and have worked as a husband and wife team to serve and encourage WISDOM families. Currently they are also retained as instructors for WISDOM Ballroom Dance camps and workshops. Their vision is the encouragement to take heart, presented in Matthew 6:33- "Seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." They regard homeschooling as an opportunity for children's innocence to be protected, and for growth in character and godliness to be nurtured.
Mike & Michele Barter, Lamont
780-363-3740
michele@wisdomhomeschooling.com
michele.barter@gilbertineinstitute.com