CURRENT MISSION

Creating community wherever I am. I love when people feel included and part of a family. My current mission is bring together young adults in my community and empower them to be leaders.

ABOUT ME

I spent most of my 20's as a missionary. I love Europe, and I have backpacked Europe too many times to count. I’ve lived in Scotland, Italy, and Czech Republic, as well as Florida, Vermont, Missouri, Washington DC, and Nebraska.

I earned my Master's in Rome at the Institute John Paul II for Marriage and Family Sciences. I describe myself as an old soul...some other ways would be: curious, adventurous, passionate, goofy/dorky, contemplative, and very open to new ideas. I am a learner and love to learn!
I find I'm not happy unless I'm exploring. I am a big lover of people... and yet some days I wish I could retire as a hermit and live on a mountain :D

My dream is to create community. I’d love to live on an old farm in France and turn it into a retreat center for families. Actually, my dream is start a self sustaining retreat center anywhere beautiful enough. But odds are I'm way too lazy for that. I'll just start a herb garden. I also really want to write a book or two someday.

PHILOSOPHY

Personal Philosophy: To thine own heart be true.

Be sincere. Let go. Practice vulnerability. See yourself as a gift and offer that gift to the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am very grateful for any free lodgings I can find!! Be it a hut, couch, hammock, or bathtub with a pillow in it, haha. (Most of the time i'm so exhausted when I travel that i sleep anywhere nicely)

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

only had a few so far- stayed in Edinburgh with a lovely girl named Rachel K. and had the best experience. I LOVE couchsurfing- I'm a new addict. Great place for those with hospitable hearts :)

Interests

Camping, kayaking, cooking/growing food (nutritional therapies),nature, hiking, sustainable living, Byzantine Catholicism, world cultures, reading, travel, writing, I have a big love for other cultures - but particularly Slavic and Mediterranean cultures!

• writing
• books
• singing
• dancing
• environment
• dining
• cooking
• dieting
• reading
• traveling
• music
• hiking
• backpacking
• catholic
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: Phantom of the Opera, The Secret Garden, The Labyrinth (Bowie, I love you!)

Books: Fr. Elijah series (Michael O'Brien), Brothers Kamarazov (Dostoevsky), Jane Eyre (Jane Austen), Strannik (Catherine Doherty), I Believe in Love (Fr Jean C J D'Elbee)

MUSIK: Lord Huron, army of me, Beirut, Andrea Bocelli

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most amazing thing I've done : took 26 courses for my master's degree in one year in Italian (with no prior knowledge of the language haha! I learned as I went)

Another amazing thing: I took three months in 2015 to wander Europe without a place to stay or money with my best friend. We lived off God’s Providence. I earned my keep doing random things (washing mattresses for a hotel in Medjugorje, Bosnia) and staying in monasteries. I also walked the Camino starting from Lourdes Frances. Buen Camino!

Teach, Learn, Share

Do you want to practice English? I am very happy to do this with you! I also can understand Italian and am happy to exchange conversation in Italian/English!

I am a storyteller by nature, so I will be able to share strange tales from traveling because I find that life is full of surprises!

I love food--so I could share with you some meals, although I eat GF, dairy - free most of the time. :)

I teach engaged couples human love and psychology. I love to talk about relationships and personal growth.

What I Can Share with Hosts

An open heart, prayers, a person to tag along with on an adventure. I also love to listen so if you need an open ear!

Happy to share a meal or treat as a thank you!

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Czech Republic, Italy, United Kingdom, United States