CURRENT MISSION

See the world and learn from it's people

ABOUT ME

I grew up in South Dakota, studied abroad in India while in college, and served for two years as a Global Mission Fellow of the United Methodist Church as an English Teacher in China. I am now living in Charlottesville, Va in a ministry focusing on systematic food justice and nutritional education.

If I could do anything with my life, I would travel the world! And what better way to see the world than through the eyes of the locals living there?

I love getting to know a culture through the people and the cuisine! Cooking is my greatest past time and there is nothing better than sharing a meal with other people. Good conversation + good wine = perfection :)

PHILOSOPHY

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of travel." -Margaret Lee Runbeck

"No matter where you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I spent 4 months studying at the University of Hyderabad, India. As I traveled across the country, I surfed through peoples homes and was overwhelmed by the compassion I was shown!

I also surfed while in China and have hosted guests in the USA.

Interests

Cooking!!
Hiking and being outdoors
Dancing
Attending Music and Theatre performance.
Picnics in the sun
Watching movies

• culture
• performing arts
• dancing
• cooking
• wine
• partying
• movies
• board games
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• teaching
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies:
-Disney movies!
-Singin in the Rain
-Barfi (Hindi)
-Pride & Prejudice

Books:
-Angela's Ashes
-The Kite Runner & A Thousand Splendid Suns
-The Prodigal Summer
-Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
-Mistress of Spices

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

4 precious months in India....an experience that will affect me for the rest of my life! Read about my experience at www.marianiechindia@wordpress.com

Spent a week in Tuscany, Italy at Tuscana Saporita Cooking School!

Teach, Learn, Share

"You can walk millions of kilometers in a single life without touching the surface of the places, nor learn anything from the people seen. The sense of the travel lies in stopping to listen, everyone has a story to tell!" -anonymous

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am an accepting person and earn to hear people's stories, engage in conversation, and build relationships across the world. I believe that the Lord brings people together in order to learn from each other and grow!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, India, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, India, United States