Thank you all for your replies. I had already been thinking about trying the handwriting without tears, so now with your good recommendations, I will.
But my real issue is not handwriting as much (as I figure it will come in good time), but how to get around written work in the meantime but still have advanced content all without relying to heavily on the computer. Since most advanced learning relies heavily on writing, what's the best way around this?
As for the rural issue, thanks for those ideas. Its lonely out here, but we love it!