I have done a variety of things professionally: Bible translator/college teacher in central Africa, youth camp program director, writing tutor, and, for the past 15 years, children's librarian back in my home town.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I do enjoy traveling, especially to places with beautiful, interesting spots to explore outdoors -- woods, canyons, caves, mountains, creeks and waterfalls. Besides being inveterately cheap, I enjoy meeting people, learning about them, and getting a local perspective on things. When I lived in the DR Congo, we (my colleagues and I) often hosted visitors, some expected, some by chance who just needed a place and some help (central Africa is not an easy place to be a tourist). Those were always fun experiences, and I enjoyed sharing with them the local view of things.

Interests

I enjoy hiking, camping, caving, canoeing, and generally being outdoors in nature when I can. I like reading and writing, and am fascinated with languages and linguistics.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm not sure I've done anything particularly amazing, but I have authored a book on tent camping in Illinois, and that not because I actually planned on it, but because the publisher asked me.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Africa stories, recommendations for children's books, Swahili lessons ... if none of are of interest I can at least tell a few good jokes.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Burundi, Canada, England, France, Guinea, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda

Countries I’ve Lived In

Democratic Republic of Congo, United States