HSLDA | Thank You

HOME SCHOOLING / INTERNATIONAL
Poland

January 24, 2012

Grateful for International Support

By Marek Budajczak

A couple of days ago on Polish language television, there may have been some (forgive all of us “unplugged” homeschoolers!) who watched an American film by Joe Roth, “Christmas with the Kranks” (2004), based on a John Grisham novel entitled “Skipping Christmas.” It’s the frenzied story of a postmodern couple, the Kranks, who plan to go on a Caribbean cruise instead of celebrating Christmas. But then they learn that their daughter is coming home unexpectedly. Due to their neighbors’ efforts, the two acknowledge and decide to embrace deep and simple Christmas truths.

So what? Is it really worthwhile talking about such a film? Book and film reviewers wrote that it was a misanthropic piece where two guiltless nonconformists were oppressed by metaphysical beings (i.e. Santa Claus), tradition (whatever that means), and by members of a “social gathering” called “community.” It’s terrible for any open-minded person!

Let us transfer then to our own homeschooling courtyard and consider the meaning of community. Consider those feelings that animate all who receive help in the field of homeschooling around the world. These feelings of gratitude and connection to fellow homeschoolers across the globe truly reveal the essence and worth of the term “community.”

To all who work to support international homeschoolers and make connections in the homeschool community—among them the HSLDA Team and all who are reading this article—on behalf of all their beneficiaries, thank you very much!

Marek Budajczak, PhD, leads Stowarzyszenie Edukacji Domowej, the Polish Association for Home Education, and is the author of “Edukacja domowa.”