I enjoy people and diversity and travel. It informs everything I do. My vocation is to serve refugees. I have served refugees for a few years in Iowa find employment, and support in their mental health needs. Currently, I am a PhD Student in International Development at the University of Edinburgh where I will be doing research in refugee camps in East Africa.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm inexcusably late to Couchsurfing. I've been really lucky in traveling to places where I have friends, family, friends of friends, friends of family, or family of friends. I want to expand my capacity to meet people, diversity, and travel.

Interests

I am captivated by the people and place of "Africa". East Africa in particular. I enjoy sports - Soccer (football) and basketball, and play and watch it whenever I can. I love reading. Moms are the best.

• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• sports
• basketball
• soccer

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: ambient, instrumental, but my music library has hardly been updated since 2007
Movies: Too many to detail here, but important part of my life.
Books: East of Eden by John Steinbeck has emotionally impacted me more than any other book. I try to read the classics besides James Joyce. No desire to read James Joyce. I enjoy contemporary African Literature.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent 4 weeks traveling Tanzania in 2015. I spent over 50 hours in buses. It was beautiful and stressful and so beautiful.

Teach, Learn, Share

-I have a lot to say, not sure if I can teach- about refugees and Africa and poverty and inequality.
-I love to learn about local cultures and particularities of cities, towns, and villages.
-I want to share time and memories

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories, memories, time, meals, honesty, sincerity, presence, kindness, above all appreciation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, France, Germany, Haiti, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Haiti, Kenya, Scotland, Uganda, United States