Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Today on the program, Crystal Rants is with us to share her experiences as a homeschool mom and Army wife. Crystal, thank you for joining us today.

Crystal Rants:
Thanks for inviting me!

Mike:
Crystal, when you’ve had to move or when your husband was deployed, how did you find support in the homeschool community?

Crystal:
Well, the homeschool community is where we turn to find everything—whether it’s furthering our understanding of the state laws, or ideas for great field trips, or even a new home church. They know the area and can help us find unique and interesting things to do. We went to our very first Christmas market in Germany with the homeschool group, and we got to see manatees in Biscayne Bay during a homeschool field trip.

We look to the homeschool community to find new friends. I know I’m going to find women there with a similar vision who will encourage me and challenge me. The kids often find the same things within our new homeschool group.

During deployments, we’ve helped each other out with childcare, and encouragement to bear the extra burdens that a deployment creates. There are always husbands in the homeschool group who can help out with the things that my husband isn’t there to do; because the car’s going to break down, one of the kids will break a bone, and a hurricane will come through the area; or some Army paperwork will need immediate attention, as long as my husband’s gone.

Mike:
Crystal, thank you for sharing your experience today. I’m sure other homeschool moms will find your words very encouraging. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.