Mom’s Perspective

It is so inspiring to meet other Christian homeschooling families. The families we filmed for the documentary were from different places, in varying businesses, some with many children, some with fewer, some with young children and some with grown and married children. They were all strangers to us, and yet we shared the common bond of being brothers and sisters in Christ, and that of homeschooling. Each of the families have been so hospitable, from sharing meals with us, to letting us camp on their property, to allowing us to stay in their guest house, and always wonderful fellowship. It has been refreshing to see these wives and mothers so happy and content, fulfilled in their calling and supportive and encouraging to their husbands as they in turn lead and support their family.

I feel I have been blessed to meet these wonderful, godly women. Lisa Jost is so positive and encouraging. I loved watching her interact with her children and seeing the love flow between them. It was neat to meet Kyrstin Brown, another second generation homeschooler as I am. Contentment flowed from her countenance. Bonnie Munger exemplified for me the fulfillment of having completed homeschooling well, as her children are now out of the nest and are continuing the legacy with her grandchildren. We felt so welcomed by the Clemons family. Kathy has a sweet, gentle spirit with constant encouraging words for her eight children. And what wonderful, creative children they are! I have been inspired to have afternoon tea parties with my children as she does hers. And finally, I was so excited to meet Cindy Rushton- she has been a mentor to me through her writing for many years. She is wonderful, very sweet and giving! Though her children are now graduated, she continues to bless the homeschooling community- worldwide!- through her books and online programs.

Thank you ladies for your inspiration, example, and steadfastness in the calling God has given you. I feel so very blessed to know you!

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Shauna

Clemons

Well, I think we will be up to speed in a post or two. Internet hot spots are fewer and further in-between than expected so far.

We pulled in to the Clemons on Thursday afternoon and were greeted by good old southern hospitality! Our families got along famously right from the start. The Clemons own a guest house that they allowed us to take over; it was nice to take a break and spread out after 2+ weeks in the tent trailer. It even had a washer and dryer! Huzzah for clean clothes! The Clemons called their guest house “little Canada” during our stay.

Sam Clemons is a surveyor. Rather then film B-roll after lunch as usual, we were able to get some hands on experience in surveying in the afternoon as the older children were off doing auditions for their upcoming short film. Each evening we shared a meal and then the games would come out. It is a lot of fun when big families get together!

It really was a joy to get to know the Clemons family and we were truly sad to leave. And Lisa was very sad to have to say goodbye to Princes Pinky (the cat). One more interview to go and then we start heading home!

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Dallas

Stone Mountain

Okefenokee Swamp Park

Gliding in our boat through the murky tannic acid waters, overhanging trees mirrored in the dark depths creating a mystical atmosphere, we spy a log floating up ahead. But wait, the log suddenly moves toward us and we can see beady, menacing eyes staring back at us- it’s an alligator!! So went our fascinating field trip to Okefenokee Swamp Park in Georgia. Alligators, turtles, lizards, snakes, LARGE spiders, and humidity combined with 30* temperatures on the first day of Fall...this is very different than home! I think we are all feeling that many of the things we are experiencing are very surreal.

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Shauna

Tybee Island, Georgia

What a beautiful place! It is very warm (hot) but the ocean breeze is cooling. And, ahh, the ocean! Majesty, power, and beauty! This was the first time our two youngest had experienced the ocean- they were more interested in the swimming pool until we dragged them to the beach and then suddenly they were enthralled! “Wow, look at the sand!” “I found a shell, and another, and another!” “Can I jump the waves?” “Do we have to leave?” And Adam’s favorite line for anywhere that he particularly likes: “I wish we could live here!” I was pleased that the water was so warm- not cold like the Pacific Ocean. The kids had fun body surfing in the waves, at least until a wave tumbled Dustin against the abrasive sand (he has the battle scars) and then the coast guard came along warning of rip tides forming.

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Shauna

mini vacation

The day we arrived we took a walk down the beach.
On Sunday after a wonderful Church service at Savannah Christian Church we walked around the old part of Savannah.

We found a spider in a park that was literally the size of my Dads palm.

On the Ocean we swam and enjoyed the waves but also tried to dig for clams, but we weren't very successful.

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Shalayne

To Tybee Island!!

Hey all,

Just as Dallas said, we are still alive. I can confirm that for you. Relaxing on a quaint little island by both the warm ocean and Savannah, GA, made us totally forget about updating you guys on our trip, so we'll try to get back on that.

After leaving the Munger's in North Carolina, we drove down to the beautiful city of Savannah, located on the coast and full of as many trees as one could wish for. Right next to Savannah, however, is a little island named Tybee Island, and that is where we stayed. We had to drive over a several mile salt marsh to get there, and seeing it at both high and low tides was quite the sight. After pulling into the campground, which was quite nice but had the loudest cicadas ever, we set up and headed to the beach.

From what I could tell, Tybee Island was an old fort of some sort, with old bunkers and batteries used as sever-weather shelters, and several canons located around as decoration. However, this is where I shall end, and so I hope you check back soon for some more stories about Savannah, Okefenokee Swamp, and the Clemons!!

Mungers - B

Along with Greg Munger we also interviewed his son Paul Munger and his family. We didn’t get to see much of Paul and it was even tricky to coordinate our schedules. Paul is working as the casting director of extras on One Good Man, and as such was very busy. The Munger house was a constant flurry activity as they were hosting many cast and crew, and helping with craft services all wile working around the rain.

When we got there we had only a very short 30 minutes to shoot Paul, and it often takes us 20+ min just to set up our lights! It was good this was not our first time setting up, buy this time had got in to a “groove” of sorts and each knew or jobs. We set up in record time and got a bit of a time extension with Paul. After that we had another crunch time interview with Shela (Paul’s wife), and then got all our B-roll before lunch!

I really wish we had more time to spend with the Munger family, even the short time we had with them we had was really enjoyable!

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Dallas

Mungers - A

We set up our tent trailer in the Munger’s driveway and were able to spill out in their large car port which was nice as it rained the hole time we were there. The Mungers were also hosting another family who was part of the crew (Teacher, craft services and extras) on Advent Film Group's film One Good Man.

After we had set up we talked with the Mungers in their living room about the next day. The conversation turned to the Munger’s most recently finished film A Blueprint for Language Arts Success Greg was showing us the DVD, how they made their DVDs in house now, how they did this and that... then you can imagine all of our surprise when my name appeared the credits! I had forgotten, and Greg didn’t know, that Paul (Greg’s oldest son) had given me a “special thanks” credit at the end of the film. We all had a good laugh about that.

Greg Munger owns Piedmont Educational Services a and has had several films created including the multi award winning Animals of the Bible, which he made with his son Paul.

Along with us filming our documentary, I felt like I was in the middle of christian film making central. It seemed that everyone was somehow involved in a production of some sort on some level. It was a very busy and very fun place to be.

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Dallas

From Canada to Georgia

We are currently are camping on the east coast, I just wanted to let you all know that all is well. We are taking a short vacation time before we start head north and get interviewing again. It is nice to take a brake from all the driving. This is the warmest natural body of water I have ever touched! Asides from a dugout that is. Some times it has been warmer than out of water, and that is saying something since it has sat around 30c the whole time we have been here.

Look for posts in the next little while about our interviews and visits with the Munger families, our exploration of Savannah, and other adventures on the ocean!

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Dallas

The Jost's: A Behind-The-Scenes C-Roll

FINALLY! A video about the Jost interview - Made by me!

However, I apologize if you don't understand this video at all. But the truth is, the day went exactly like this. Random, confusing, and everything inbetween. So enjoy, and laugh anyways.

Another thing: this video is made up of footage I've been taking on set during filming - I'm currently recovering from a broken arm, and I'm not the best, so it may get better as time goes on.

Important: No animals were harmed in the making of this film.

To whom it may concern: WE'RE SORRY.

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Travis

EDIT: The video is now embedded Tangle, so for you who still want the YouTube video, please visit this link.

Q&A with Dustin

As you should all know well by now our trip has taken us through many American states to this point. Many of our Canadian friends have been emailing us questions about our neighbors to the south, so we thought it would be a good idea to use this post to answer a few of their queries.

Bill from Calgary asks:
What does Della Wear?
A: She is wearing her new jersey.

Suzanne from Edmonton asks:
Where has Ora gone?
A: To see Attle.

Sarah from Red Deer asks:
What did Ida hoe?
A: She hoed her merry land.

Joe from Regina asks:
What did Tenna see?
A: The same thing Arkan saw.

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Dustin

Washington DC

Yesterday we went to Washington, DC. It was amazing though not really what I expected. I’m not quite sure what I expected but that was’t it. We had a wonderful time time looking at the sights, like the White House, the monuments, the scenery and the amazing architecture. There was so much history as well. Unfortunately we only briefly saw two of the Smithsonian museums because of the closing time but they were very interesting.

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Shalayne

The Brown's

Yesterday we met the Brown family: John (dad), Kyrsten (mom), Cedric (10), Schuyler (almost 8), and Galadrea (almost 6). It took over an hour to find their house because we got lost. It seems to be a common occurrence because we got lost going to the Jost’s as well, we just didn’t know it until we phoned them like they asked. Once we found it we were amazed by the beauty of their property and house. Standing on the front porch there was a view of rolling hills, where a Civil war snow ball fight took place on Christmas day, and a creek running through. Looking up to the large elegant house was a water fall running down the hill. Once inside you were surrounded by a big open floor plan with a German theme. The boy’s bedroom upstairs was a Mexican theme and Gladrea’s a pretty pink late 1800s room.

Mrs. Brown had fresh homemade lemonade and iced tea for us the whole time we were there. The first night she also had some kind of peanut butter squares that were delicious. During our first visit, Galadrea, their only daughter, was watching me quite closely. Occasionally, I’d glance over and see her watching me so I would smile at her. After a few of those she would quietly make her way to the seat next to me and watch me for a while and then make her way back to her mom. She is an adorable princess.

The two boys, Cedric and Schuyler, were very intelligent and outgoing. I would say that they know more than me, either that or different knowledge. The filming went very well, we were a lot more efficient than last time so we finished in good time.

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Shalayne

Stranded!!

So this is interesting...As I type, we are currently stranded on an off ramp from a toll-road in Illinois. The thing about long journeys is that you need to keep an eye on your gas tank, or else you end up on the shoulder, like us. However, Dallas and my dad are currently walking to town to find a phone, where they can call AAA. They should be able to get us gas in some way or another, and we'll be back on our way. Hopefully we learned our lesson; this is our third time running on fumes!!

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Travis

PS: Thanks to Sleep Inn for not locking their wi-fi!

Meet our family

We are a "mid-sized" home school family from Alberta, Canada.

Greg is the Dad. He just retired this spring from teaching in Calgary for the last 30 years.

Shauna was a homeschool graduate before homeschool was "normal," and now works hard at home to educate her own kids.

Dallas graduated from home school in '05 and has been busy working to build MovieMakers, the video business that he and Greg started together.

Dustin has also been graduated for several years. Along with attending Bible collage he has been building a local website design business.

Travis is the oldest in school, enjoys science and is looking at learning a trade. He does graphic design work for the family business as well.

Shalayne has just begun high school. She loves to play and sing, and facilitates the shipping and handling for MovieMakers.

Lisa is a very eager grade five student keeping Mom on her toes to have enough learning activities for her to do. She is knitting away the miles when Mom can't think of anything else for her to do!

Adam is the youngest. He is very excited to start school. We don't think he quite gets the trip thing yet.

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Shauna,

Dallas

The Border

Well, we finally crossed the border into the US. It took over an hour of waiting, interrogation and prayer. I was fine until they invited me into the back room and began the questions while snapping on rubber gloves. After they gave Shauna the same treatment, all eight of us sat forever in a small waiting room - reserved for those of us who feel like criminals (guilty ‘til proven innocent) - while they searched our vehicle and our belongings. The one suspicious substance they found was a small jar of swedish bitters, our family cure all. Once they decided we were not a hazard to homeland security, they suddenly became nice and gave us a thirty day business permit. Our prayers were answered and we were on our way. We are now a couple hours behind our itinerary and are trying to make up time. We would like to see my brother in Chicago on the way through, but are not sure we will have the time!

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Greg

The Epic Journey

Today our family embarked on the first leg of our adventure. After packing ruthlessly for over eight hours, we ran into several hiccups. We were just about ready to leave, when Dustin discovered that our trailer jack was broken and next to useless. We finally took it off and quickly left to pick up travel papers from social services before it closed at 4:30. We arrived there at 4:32, but luckily someone was still there. It is a major blessing that God kept the doors open, despite the fact that most businesses are locked down by that point. After arriving at a campground near Brookes, AB, we discovered that all the power sites were taken!! We are currently situated on a lovely no-power site, relying on battery power, enjoying the cool of the night, and taking in God’s beautiful handprints (the stars) as I sit here typing at 9:35 PM. Another bonus was that, unlike our previous road trips, we have more room in both our van and trailer than we expected, which is a nice surprise. Would you consider praying for us as we continue on in our adventure, that all would go according to God’s purpose, and that we could figure out a way to fix our trailer jack?

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Travis

P.S. Does anyone know which cables plug into which side of a trailer battery?

Out of Time!

Both motorhomes failed inspection and we are now out of time. We are leaving tomorrow for Homeschool Camp northwest of Edmonton, then immediately heading east the day after we return, so we need to put the idea of a motorhome behind us. Fortunately, in the spring, God blessed us with a tent trailer that sleeps eight, along with a van big enough to pull it. Our “Plan B” has now become “Plan A.” We were all very disappointed to not have the motorhome to use for school on the road, and our prayers are for contentment with what God has already provided. We also know that the cost of gas will be much less, and it be will easier to navigate urban areas. We also won’t be tempted to keep a motorhome we can’t afford, rather than selling it as we planned! So now we are in a flurry trying to adjust and pack. Can’t wait to get started!

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Greg

Photos of our visit with the Josts

The Wonderful Jost Family

The family that sings together... is amazing!

The intricate scroll-work talent of the Jost men.

The family that prays together, stays together.

The view from the family's back deck.

The beautiful wide open prairie with the Montana Sweet Grass Hills in the background.

Interviews...!

Fun and laughter!

Ahh, a table for a large family with lots of room for friends.

The relaxed Papa!

Two film-makers sharing their common interest.