*Catchy first-line to get your attention* I'm Ellie. Ellie from Michigan. Last year, like many young people. I was not satisfied with my education experience. I finished my first year of university in the US and packed for New Zealand for a proper gap year to pursue faith, passions, and ultimately to find direction. Because, surprise surprise, I did not know my life calling right out of high school.
Since September I've been living on and off in NZ, which is quite a magical place to find oneself. December through February I spent time doing Christian mission work in Laos and India, with some rock climbing on the side. Did I find direction? Well, I realized my overwhelming passion for people, culture, faith, and languages. So if I could incorporate all four into one vocation I would be quite energized by that.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Mainly to meet some cool-as people while traveling in beautiful NZ instead of just staying in hostels. It's also cheaper and that's practical. So far Kiwis are way more hospitable people than Americans which is nice. Not that I'm only looking for Kiwis but you know what I mean.

Interests

• cheese
• coffee
• traveling
• guitar
• fishing
• backpacking
• rock climbing
• languages
• mountains
• eating
• stargazing
• making friends
• jellyfish
• puffins
• connect four

Music, Movies, and Books

I love jamming to Real Estate, Sufjan Stevens, Phoenix, Mac Demarco; but also a good old hip hop dance session every so often is welcome.
The Lord of the Rings has my heart as far as books and movies go. I really enjoy classic literature. Wes Anderson is by far my favorite director. Fantastic Mr Fox and Grand Budapest Hotel are some of my go-tos by him.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One time I caught a 41 inch musky fish and I felt like a big deal.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, India, Laos, New Zealand

Countries I’ve Lived In

New Zealand, United States