I began to formulate this crazy idea while driving across the channeled scablands of Washington State earlier this year. I tend to let my thoughts wander and seem to dream biggest while driving(so far, this hasn’t proven hazardous). We were returning home after a February weekend with our best friends at the Oregon coast. The weather had been freakishly perfect for our beach day, our Airbnb was crazy nice since it was the off season, the kids had gotten along great, and we had spent time with some of our favorite people. I was in a state of contented bliss.

As I drove along in awe of the brush stroked clouds, I began wishing we could just travel full time. That led me to the logistics of such a ridiculous thing…but didn’t stop me. Our circumstances had changed drastically after our lives had been in chaos for a couple years. I saw a way to possibly make traveling the world a reality.

Once home, I began researching. This is the stage that usually derails my preposterous ideas(like when I was offered the cutest baby raccoon ever). This time, research invigorated the idea. There is an entire community dedicated to exactly what I was dreaming of doing. Worldschooling is an educational movement that recognizes that a student can receive no greater education than by experiencing and interacting with the world around them. There are families of all backgrounds, makeups, and sizes traveling the world and learning together. MY DREAM. This is happening.

Even as a teacher, I’ve never loved the public school system. The schools are set up to pump out factory workers that follow directions. I want more for my children. I want them to learn art, culture, and what it is to be human. Don’t get me wrong, I think STEM fields are extremely important to learn as well, but it’s the fully rounded thing I’m seeking. I don’t want us to continue being cogs in a broken machine.

Working a full time job is over 2000 hours per year. Attending public school is over 1000 hours per year. What if I didn’t have to miss all that time in my children’s lives? What if I could be there learning alongside them, guiding them and watching them explore this world? Wouldn’t that be better? I think so, and thus…we launch on our worldschooling journey next month!

We did take a test trip to Hawaii in March to see if traveling with five kids to places we’ve never been would even be enjoyable. We had an absolute blast. Then, I took three kids on a whirlwind trip to Utah’s five national parks ten days after we got back from Hawaii. I’ve been in planning mode ever sense. Our first six months is already set. 41 days until launch.