We just returned home from an amazing trip to Australia. Our family was invited to visit by the organizers of the first ever Unschooling Conference in the land down under.
I had the honor of being the Keynote speaker, and what an experience!It took us two days to get there traveling on 4 planes each way. It was intense and exciting.
The conference itself was fabulous. One of the best we've ever been part of. There was over a hundred families in attendance. We made so many new friends and connected with people we've known online for years.
I knew the conference would be exciting, but I had no idea it would enrich our lives in such a powerful way.We were in Australia for a total of three weeks. The first week was the Unschooling conference and the last two were left for relaxation, exploring and visiting with new friends. Our villa was right on the beach, which was so nice. Waking to the sounds of the many local birds was one of my favorite memories of the mornings there.
Joe and Devin both spoke at the conference. Joe led the Fathers session and Devin spoke on a panel of Unschooled Kids. It was the first time Devin spoke about our life in public. I was in awe of how well and confidently he answered questions thrown at him.One thing that I've learned from the experience is that we as humans have so many more similarities than differences. My Australian friends were so much like me in the way that we choose to live our lives. Our respect for our children and desire for freedom were the same. Our intent for joy and peace were another common thread.
The night before we left, I walked to the conference site. I stood there amongst the trees and grass, where the tents once stood. I reached up to the sky and my eyes filled with tears of gratitude for all that was brought to that sacred space. I was humbled by nature in place of our tents, laughing children and gathering of kindred spirits. I thanked the Universe for allowing me be a voice for respectful, peaceful parenting.
A few days before we jumped on a plane back home to America, Erica and Maree, the conference organizers, asked me to come back for next years' conference. Never in my wildest dreams would I think that we would return to Australia! Of course... we all said "yes!"
I am so grateful to have been able to travel the world speaking about something that I am so passionate about. I know that I've only just begun all that I am meant to do in my life. Great things are happening and the world is shifting to a evolved consciousness in regards to parenting, children and peace.
I am proud to be part of this growing movement.
