If you’ve spent any time around the Navy community, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” It’s a blessing, a farewell, and a prayer – all wrapped into four simple words.
For me, those words carry decades of meaning. They remind me of seasons of change, cross-country moves, deployments, deep friendships formed in unexpected places, and the steady presence of God through every new assignment.
In 2019, I had the opportunity to share more of my story in a guest article for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. The article reflects on the heart behind those words and how they have shaped my journey as a Navy chaplain’s wife, homeschool mom, and advocate for military families.
👉 Read the full post here: “Fair Winds and Following Seas” in The Old Schoolhouse Summer 2019 Magazine.
Why This Phrase Matters So Deeply
“Fair Winds and Following Seas” is more than a tradition. It’s a description of the rhythm of military life with constant movement, constant change, and constant opportunities to trust God more deeply.
In my years as a Navy chaplain spouse and homeschool mom of five, I’ve come to understand that military families learn how to:
- Say goodbye often
- Build community from scratch again and again
- Celebrate milestones far from extended family
- Carry both the weight and the pride of service
Every transition has brought its own challenges, but also its own blessings. God has always gone before us: preparing people, resources, and moments of grace in every new place.
A Message for Fellow Military Spouses
If you’re walking through a PCS, a deployment, or simply a season of uncertainty, please hear this: You are not alone. Your sacrifices matter. Your resilience is real. And God sees every hidden moment.
My hope is that this page – and the linked article encourages you to:
- Trust that God is already in your next duty station
- Feel supported by a community that understands this life
- Know that your story holds value and purpose
If you arrived here looking for military homeschool resources, you’re in the right place. I serve as the HSLDA Military Community Outreach Coordinator, and I am passionate about supporting military parents who homeschool through:
- PCS transitions
- High school planning
- EFMP challenges
- College prep
- Enlistment pathways
- Encouragement and community
You can explore additional resources here on my site or reach out directly if your family needs support.
This post was originally published in July 2019 and has been updated in November 2025.
I’m a homeschool mom of five—four college graduates and one college freshman—with over 23 years of homeschooling experience. Through Homeschool Natalie Mack LLC, I help parents navigate the homeschool journey with confidence, especially through the high school years, college prep, and NCAA eligibility.
I’m also the founder and Executive Director of the Military Homeschoolers Association (MHA), where I advocate for military homeschool families around the world. As a TEDx speaker, former therapist, and national homeschool leader, I’m passionate about helping families see that homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about building legacy, purpose, and lifelong learners.