Louise,
Your link in your previous letter is utterly ridiculous. I agree with you that I never want to visit them. I have actually compiled a list of reasons why:
1. They have no true plumbing. The thoughts of a "compostable toilet" make me gag.
2. Where do the children sleep? Personally, I like having sex with my husband way too much to have an audience.
3. I like straight lines and the occasional corner.
4. We do not live in the Middle Ages. They're called the "Dark Ages" for a reason.
5. What happens to the global economy if everyone lives like they do? I'll tell you, it would collapse and the Black Death would make a comeback.
6. Their children go to bed dirty and with no social encounters with people other than their parents. It's like they're being raised on an island, a la` Swiss Family Robinson.
7. As a Christian, I believe we are called to engage culture, not separate ourselves from it.

Point number 7 brings me to a place I like to call "The Rant". I'm not sure, Louise, that you are ready for one of my rants. I am told they can be disturbing and offensive. Suffice it to say that I believe there has to be a balance. The way I see it, there are two extremes that the people I know go to.

Extreme 1:
Being so much a part of culture that there is no discernible difference between you and it. This consists of dropping the children off at public/private school and youth group and not thinking about them again. Let them watch whatever they want! Let them make their own choices, whatever! If they want to wear butt-cheek revealing shorts and hooker make-up, let them. If they want to have a boyfriend/girlfriend when they're nine years old, that's not only okay; it's cute. R-rated movies? Sure! Apparently, the gospel will get to them by osmosis or something.

Extreme 2:
Lock them up and throw away the key. Only southern gospel music is allowed. No Harry Potter or Twilight; they might want to become a witch or vampire. No make-up, no fashionable clothing, no modern hairstyles. No knees showing whatsoever! Teach them at home; where they study the Bible three hours a day. No youth group; there are bad kids there, dontcha know? No dating allowed; they might be tempted to ... kiss  *gasp* before their wedding night. Apparently, parenting, when done absolutely right, reverses the effects of the Fall. Good to know.

Louise, I hope I haven't offended you. I hope you are not in one of these groups. If so, sue me. I fit no mold. I homeschool for the joy of it. I like my kids! I like learning and teaching. And with the school district we're zoned for, I know I can give my kids a better education. But, at the same time, I'm not afraid of public schools. I don't think my kids will get knifed in the bathroom or become addicted to cough syrup. It's simply a matter of preference and desire. But I take teaching them very seriously. Scripture says to be deliberate in teaching them the character and faithfulness of God.

So, now I am metaphorically out of breath and hoping that you are still my friend.

Greatly relieved,
Thelma