GO Center (Review)

 

⭐Being a homeowner can certainly be a wake-up call. The transition from college life where three square meals a day are served complete with dessert every. single. day. to apartment life with roommates that help carry the load to actual homeownership where every single mishap is now your responsibility can be overwhelming. Fortunately, before I reached this milestone I was blessed with several opportunities to visit third-world conditions all over the world. Yes, I said blessed, because seeing what others do not have can help you be more appreciative for what you do have.

⭐When the dryer that came with our first home quit working during week one, I was able to easily transition to hanging my clothes out on the line until we were able to buy a new one. It was probably only a month or so, but thankfully I had spent several months of my life in other countries where I was responsible for my own laundry with a washer only—no dryer. Hanging my clothes out on the line quickly became a pleasant change. Sounds silly, but sometimes our brains can struggle with change, no matter how small, when we have done things the same way our entire lives. Experiencing, hands-on, a different way, can help prepare us for the unexpected. 

⭐Enter parenthood. I didn't want to be the mom that yelled at my kids to eat their meals because children on the other side of the world were starving—but I was tempted. (And probably even gave in once or twice.) Emotions aside, I knew it was important to teach our kids how to do things differently, in case they were ever forced into that type of situation. Through my Thrift Schooling and Thrift Steading styles of homeschooling, I am thankful for the creativity that the Lord gave my husband and I to implement unique educational opportunities over the years. 

⭐Going on a family missions trip was my favorite and is at the top of my list to recommend to every homeschooling family. That said, if it is not in your budget to travel right now, the GO Center in Roanoke, VA can take you all around the world without leaving the US—and it is so worth it!

🐪This three-story, hands-on educational center teaches children (and adults!) about various people groups in remote regions of the world in a way that is memorable. 

 

🐪When you enter the Global Adventure, you are given a passport to use throughout your visit. Friendly tour guides are stationed throughout the center ready to stamp your passport once you complete fun and educational tasks, each representing a different people group from around the world. 

🐪From riding on a stuffed camel outside of a Bedouin tent in Jordan, to sitting in a real airplane, your kids will travel through play. Videos are presented throughout the center with footage from the missionary family who helped make this center become a reality. Step inside a war room and hear firsthand experiences from refugees that fled from heartbreaking living conditions. Spin the Wheel of Misfortune to learn about actual circumstances that children around the world are currently enduring—all based on true stories.  

⭐From a puppet theater to a stage with props to Lego Mountain, your kids will have plenty to do at the center. They can slide down a slide, play in a dark room with large Lite Brite-style pegs, or create something memorable in the craft room. Of course, the center is not all fun and games, with educational spots along the way teaching children to be thankful for what they have, showing them what other kids around the world do not have. 

⭐Not sure if your teens will be into it? Mine were! It was a chance for them to get out, explore, learn about the world, and hang out in the Global Blend Café. Yes, this is where they spent most of their time, which makes sense because it is cozy, comfortable, and cultural—plus the food tastes great. Not to mention, Homestead Creamery ice-cream is on the menu.  

⭐This brand-new addition to the Roanoke area was a huge hit with our family and will continue to be for years to come as they continue to add more events and opportunities. Follow them on their socials to stay up-to-date with upcoming mission trips, summer camps, Bible studies, and more.

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 Visiting Roanoke soon? Reserve your tickets for the Global Adventure today!

Please Note:  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.