09/29/2023
HOW TO EMPOWER CHILDREN THROUGH TRAVELING … 🌎 🚂 ✈️ 🛥️ 🚲 🌏
Embarking on the exhilarating journey of parenthood, we chose to gift our 6 children with a treasure beyond measure – the world itself. Instead of showering them with material possessions, we opted for a unique approach: the world as their classroom.
Homeschooling became synonymous with 'World Schooling,' a transformative concept where learning transcended the confines of textbooks. Real experiences, exotic locales, and connections with people from across the globe became the building blocks of their education. And the icing on the cake? Travel was their ultimate reward.
One of our first adventures took flight in April of 2007, when our children, aged 15, 14, 12, 9, 7, and 5, embarked on an odyssey of a lifetime. The journey began in Chicago, then we soared to the heart of Jordan 🇯🇴, finally landing in the enchanting land of Damascus, Syria 🇸🇾. But this was no ordinary trip; it was an immersive exploration of culture. Our family wasn't merely visiting relatives; we were diving headfirst into a world of Arabic and Quran studies at Abu Noor University. After two profound months of growth and enlightenment, we set our compass for Turkey 🇹🇷, where two additional weeks of adventure awaited.
Planning these expeditions was a family affair, and it was here that our children truly came into their own. They became savvy researchers, hunting for the best flight deals and crafting alternative, budget-friendly routes. Booking accommodations online became second nature. Learning 200 essential Arabic and Turkish phrases was just the beginning of their linguistic conquests. Managing budgets, handling unforeseen challenges with grace, and uncovering the hidden histories of our destinations were part of the journey. They became transportation experts, figuring out the most efficient ways to navigate foreign cities. And let's not forget the culinary escapades as they savored local delicacies, adding another layer to their cultural education.
These responsibilities were not just about travel logistics; they were about building character. Our adventures became a masterclass in compassion, empathy, resilience, self-reliance, gratitude, generosity, and humility – life lessons not typically found in textbooks. The global perspective they gained was the greatest gift of all.
Today, we stand in awe as our children, now parents themselves, continue to carry the torch of 'World Schooling' forward. They've taken this legacy and expanded it, gifting their own children with a world of wonder.
Our shared memories, Alhamdulillah, have not only shaped our lives but continue to illuminate the path for generations to come. The world truly is our classroom, and it's a journey filled with boundless discoveries, open doors, and a lifelong love for learning.
