Meet our Nomadic Homeschoolers Ambassadors: The Perry Family
Have you ever dreamt of visiting all 50 states and their capitals, all while visiting cool landmarks,
hiking, biking, and worshipping God all over the country in an RV? For Nomadic Homeschoolers
Ambassadors, Marc and Connie Perry and their twins, Marcus and Cali, they have “Been there,
done that.”
Marc and Connie, who have been married for over 20 years, had a goal – visit all 50 states and
maybe, somewhere along the way, they would find that one place where they could settle and call
home. They also sought to be more involved in the lives of their children, learning and growing as
a family. As Connie puts it, “Life flies by so quickly and we wanted to take this time to pay
attention to what really mattered. We wanted them to learn about helping others and the world
around them. We wanted them to know where we came from and how we got to where we are. We
felt we needed to take this opportunity while our children were young or we would regret it.”
So, with a little guts and a lot of faith, The Perry Family took to the highways and byways of the
United States of America. From Metuchen, NJ, on March 6, 2012, they hit the road in a
big,white Freightliner truck,towing a 5th wheel RV. They have recently changed their mode of
travel, selling the Freightliner and 5th wheel and purchasing a classic 1983 Newell bus, towing a
PT Cruiser behind.
At first, Marcus and Cali, now nearly thirteen years-old were excited, but didn't know what to
expect on this massive undertaking of an adventure across the USA. “Now,” Connie says, “they think it is awesome and are ready for new adventures. I think traveling has really expanded the
world for them. They have no reservations about visiting a new state or city.” The kids are also
interested in traveling internationally.
In case you are wondering if The Perry's have any favorite destinations out of their over 5 years on
the road, with 50 states (many more than once) under their belts, they certainly do. The Orlando,
Florida area is special to them, drawing them back time and again. In fact, 2 years ago, they
purchased season passes to Disney World and visited the parks over 20 times that year!
The other area that holds a special place in the heart of The Perry's is the Mesa, Arizona area. “The hiking is amazing and the scenery is breathtaking. It is so different from what we grew up with in the northeast of the country, Connie reflects. They love the area so much, they have volunteered
the past 2 winters at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Marc (a personal investor) and Connie
volunteered 20 hours each per week at the entry station, collecting fees and welcoming visitors. In
exchange for their volunteer hours, they received a campsite, free of charge.”We had many
meaningful encounters with visitors and we all made life long friendships,” Connie said. Marcus
and Cali even got in on the volunteer action, each logging over 140 hours of assisting at the park,
assisting with children's and adult programs, alike. They even hiked over 110 miles this season!
“They truly had inspirational mentors who challenged them. They developed their public speaking,
advanced their technology knowledge and most of all learned to work and learn with a variety of
age groups,” said Connie.
Their travel memories haven't always been positive. Not long ago, their seventeen and a
half years-old beagle, Cloe, passed away. Everyone that got to meet Cloe will certainly miss seeing
her at The Perry's RV.
A few of their favorite memories are near and dear to many of us. The kids say that the awesome Nomadic Homeschoolers Halloween Meetups are their favorite memories and always look forward to spending time with their friends there. Connie says that her favorite memory is one that is very near and dear to me and my family. “The memory that stands out the most to me is being able to be with our dear friends when their daughter arrived. It was so exciting to find out they were expecting and then meet up with them months later and experience the joy of a new life.” Connie added, “More recently worshiping together has added another dimension to Nomadic Homeschoolers. Its the complete package...social, educational, spiritual.”
When asked what their favorite part about being a Breakaway Family is, Connie stated, “We have been able to see people we would have never been able to without this journey. We have been able to connect with family and old friends across the country and make new friendships along the way. With each interaction we feel more connected in a personal way to those we meet.” Connie also added that it is important to her and Marc to be Nomadic Homeschoolers Ambassadors because of community development. “I want to have a community wherever we are, in an RV, on a boat, in another country.”
The most important thing that The Perry's have learned since becoming Nomadic Homeschoolers is truly inspiring. “This journey has taught us to be accepting of others. This is right for us, but each person and family needs to reach down inside and find what is right for them. We have
learned so much and seen such a variety of God’s creations. We have learned to be happy being together and fully enjoy the interactions we have with others. Most important we have learned to depend on God. Our school lessons have a Christian background. We trust God will take us where he wants and needs us. Our faith as a family has grown by leaps and bounds. My favorite verse has become.... Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."”
You can follow the Perry Family on their travel journey at their blog www.unpredictableperryscontinued.wordpress.com.
