Gypsy Homeschooling

In the down time of the winter months, we take our family on a road trip to historically significant locales in American history. For two weeks our homeschooling classroom is an ancient motorhome that takes us places many children rarely get to see. Two years ago we drove to St. Augustine, Florida to see the first permanent European settlement of North America. There the kids were delighted to see America's oldest surviving wooden school house. The building itself is so fragile they have an anchor chained to it to keep it from being blown over in a stiff wind. The fort of coquina stone was an interesting tour as well, complete with it's military tattoo (drum performance) and firing of the cannon.

The most touching spot though is one that is not frequented with as many visitors. At the Mission of Nombre de Dios is a wee chapel, the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. A tiny chapel, it was the place where Mass was celebrated for the first settlers. Outside is the ancient graveyard occupied by the religious sisters, priests and other settlers who fell victim to the hazards of the new world, either through accident or disease. It is a holy place, a place to go and contemplate whether we would have had the faith and courage to leave all behind for the unknown.

In today's secularized culture, people of faith are once again pioneers. We dare to stand firm in Christ Jesus and try to raise our families in the Truth of holiness. We pray all can find the courage to live their Catholic faith radically, generously and without hesitation.