CURRENT MISSION

Contemplate the beauty of the Earth

ABOUT ME

I live to see the world and learn as much as possible and I have been blessed with several opportunities to live and work internationally. I spent the past 3 years working in the Lao PDR on grassroots sustainable development projects with the Sai Nyai Eco-School - www.sustainablelaos.org. Before Laos, I lived in Tanzania and fell head over heals in love with Africa, and have a dream of returning one day. However, after spending five years overseas, I have decided it is time to return to the classroom and study with a diverse cohort of students at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey, CA. It will be a big shift moving from rural Laos to Monterey, but I am excited for this new adventure.

On the side I sing and play guitar as much as I can. I also jump at every opportunity to be outside - whether that's trail running, hiking, cycling, kayaking - you name it! - being in nature makes me feel alive and rejuvenated. With that said, I recently had the misfortune of breaking my right clavicle during an acro yoga pose gone bad (ask to see the hilarious/sad incident playing out if you are interested) and am now learning how to enjoy the outdoors in new ways. This could include long slow walks, outdoor meditation, and other more yin and chill types of activities than I have traditionally practiced. I'm doing my best to take these next three months of recovery as a way to trust the timing of my life and know that there are many lessons in store for me, even though it can be very frustrating to not use my dominant arm for most day to day activities.

I also love working with youth and children and am hoping to get involved with MEarth or another awesome organization that serves young people in the Monterey area. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for how to get involved!

PHILOSOPHY

If you can talk you can sing, if you can walk you can dance.

We are what we do, especially what we do to change what we are.

In relationships of violence life becomes a stranger and truth a paradox. In relationships of peace life fulfills and truth liberates.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love CS!
My hosts have been extremely kind and welcoming. I'm starting to believe CS is the best thing to have happened to me since I discovered my love of traveling many years ago.

I have surfed quite a lot and am hoping to start hosting more and more now that I am back in the USA! Come visit me in California y'all!

Interests

I like being outside. :)

• singing
• dancing
• yoga
• running
• meditation
• gardening
• reading
• traveling
• guitar
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• kayaking
• camping
• snowboarding
• trail running

Music, Movies, and Books

I will read anything! Please tell me of any good books you have read :) Books I've loved include A Secret History, Shantaram, The Lemon Tree, Mountains Beyond Mountains, Just Say No, Ishmael, 1Q84, and What is the What,

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Summiting Mt Kilimanjaro with my dear friend Ezekiel. Truly one of the most glorious mornings of my life.

Teach, Learn, Share

Yes please!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, El Salvador, Laos, Nicaragua, Tanzania, United States

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