** This thread discusses the Content article: Spreading the Word...Radio Interviews? **


Shocking is how I would describe some of the things that have
developed in preparation for this trip, but this latest development
takes the cake. Get this...




We have, over the past few months, contacted a few people asking for their support of
our trip, but the goal was not to gain recognition. The goal was to share our lives - to
celebrate the incredible opportunities that we as homeschoolers have, to
encourage other people to rethink what is possible in their own lives, and to
share what we learn about American history. Now, we have been asked to
consider doing radio and possibly a few TV interviews during our trip, essentially as advocates for
homeschooling. This opportunity was completely unsolicited. Stunning, isn't
it?



With media attention it would be easy to get carried away to a place we
never
intended to go. I am afraid of that. On the other hand, if God has
arranged this opportunity, how can we say no, particularly in light of
all He
has done to make the trip possible? I'm also concerned about
misrepresenting homeschooling. It's so dear to me. In my community
it's very common and I don't usually have to give a defense for why we
do it. There are many reasons, but many of them are heart reasons and
honestly I'm not sure I can articulate them well. I don't want to come
across like an idiot, giving homeschoolers a bad rap. It's a lot of pressure. Then, as I was praying about all of this, I found Matthew 10:19 - "do not worry about what you will
say". If you look at the context, Jesus is sending his
disciples out to spread the word. Maybe this trip is an opportunity for
the country to see an example of what homeschooling is like, up close.
Maybe we're being asked to give
it a face, make it personal, demystify it for people who are considering
it but are nervous. Maybe not, but either way we're going to have to
decide very soon whether we want to do interviews along the way or not.

You and your family are going to have wonderful benefits from your adventure. Not only will you learn about our Country in a personal way, but you'll find that your relationships in your family will be changed forever in a very good way.

In 1989, as a single parent, I moved my children, ages 12 and 14 to another Country for about 6 months. When we returned to the US, we lived on the West Coast for a time before returning to West Tennessee.

Those months, gave us experiences that no one else could relate to and eventhough we now have different homes and jobs, (they're of course, grown now), we still have times when we just have to call each other and relate something that applies to a time on our adventure those years ago.

I've often thought that if everyone could take their teenagers away from the peer pressure at that time of their lives, there would be great benefits.

How wonderful that you can promote the new acceptance of homeschool. In 1989, I was told that the State of Tennessee would consider my children 'truant' if I tried to homeschool them. They were able to attend school in the other Country, but because of the conflicting school-year dates, both had to attend summer school upon returning to the US to make up the difference.

I would encourage you to take time in the areas you visit, to get to know the local people. Of course you'll want to see the 'tourist' areas and the historic landmarks around the Country, but I hope you'll take time to get to know the local people.

Don't be afraid of the media attention you'll receive. I'll bet you'll receive invitations to park your motor home at the homes and farms of the locals along the way. You may have chances to get to know people of different faiths, races, and economic backgrounds.

In the current economic environment, you may find families living in motor homes, not out of choice, but as a result of job losses. It's going to be important for your children to see the truths of the conditions around the Country.

And, oh yes, since you'll be traveling in a Presidential election year, you'll have a real insight into the campaigns along the way.

May blessings follow you in every mile!
Sincerely,
D Brown Flowersmart.com

Just remember, this country was founded on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I think most of the population have forgotten that. They think there "oughta be a law" for everything. "You should have to be trained before you can own a gun." What training did the minutemen have? They didn't even have socks! So their lack of formal military training led them to do unconventional things, like guerilla waferfare. Ambushes! Sneaky, but effective. The American way!

I digress.

People love to throw out "how about socialization?" "How will your kids get socialization if you homeschool?"

It doesn't appear that Abraham Lincoln got a lot of socialization. He got a lot of wood splitting. He turned out ok in my opinion.

How about Davey Crockett? A loner for sure. He turned out just fine.

I don't want my kids socialized. I've seen socialization. I don't want it. I'm kidding of course.

Our kids have plenty of friends from Church and Coop.

"How will they get a diploma?" I'll issue them one.

"How will they get into college?" Just like everybody else. Entrance exams, SATs, GED possibly.

So far as questions you'll get from people concerning homeschooling, those are the big 3.


And oh, remember, y'all are weird!!!!(just like the rest of us)