I am an American living in Madrid, Spain (as of January 2018). This is my first time living outside of my home country, and I love it! I work in communications for a Christian NGO. I'm also a vegetarian and swing dancer. Whenever I visit a big city, I find out where the vegetarians eat and where the swing dancers meet.

Most people who meet me first think that I'm quiet and shy. The truth is I love to listen, observe, and learn. I enjoy finding out what makes each person and place unique. I like to share ideas and experiences. I strive to treat everyone with respect and be grateful for everything I've been given.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm excited to see more of Spain and the rest of Europe, especially the local side of life and not only tourist attractions. I hope to meet local hosts who can introduce me to their cultures and way of life. Although I can't host right now, I always welcome making new friends and would be happy to explore Madrid with other foreigners living here.

Interests

• dogs
• writing
• books
• architecture
• photography
• festivals
• dancing
• swing dancing
• cooking
• coffee
• vegetarian
• walking
• board games
• live music
• languages
• mountains
• cultures
• sustainability
• healthy food
• bicycling
• worldview beliefs

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: The Lumineers, Death Cab for Cutie, Ben Rector, TobyMac, Tenth Avenue North, Switchfoot, for King & Country, Parov Stelar, Caravan Palace, Mumford & Sons, Imagine Dragons
Movies: Anything Marvel, Remember the Titans, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, When Harry Met Sally
Books: Harry Potter, Watership Down (Richard Adams), Scary Close (Donald Miller), Radical (David Platt)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Does moving to another country count? I had to get a visa and everything. If not, I sky dived once and want to go again (someday). For some reason, jumping out of a plane doesn't seem as big of a deal to me as scuba diving (open water scares me).

Teach, Learn, Share

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" --Jesus (Matthew 16:26)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." --also Jesus (John 3:16-17)

I wasn't sure what to share here, but these quotes came to mind. If they interest you, let's talk about them. Tell me your thoughts or questions.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Food (whether I cook for you at home or we have a meal out)
Coffee (how is your favorite way to drink it?)
Music (I have Spotify!)
Photos (I'm practicing portrait photography)
Dance moves (mostly swing but I've dabbled a bit in other styles)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Hungary, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States