Hey! :)

I'm Matt, and I'm a single, 29 year old grad student, Christian youth leader, and song leader. Let me say right off the bat that I'm hoping to make new friends, maybe even really close, life-long friends perhaps, but I'm just coming out of a hard break-up... so, I'm taking a break from relationships beyond friendship for the next six months. Still, I hope that doesn't scare you away from wanting to hang out! I love meeting new people and getting to make new friends!

So, about me... for the past few years, I was a teacher, first substitute teaching K-12 grades for three years, then teaching 5th and 6th grade full-time for two years. I've also coached guys basketball for three years. I'm taking a break from all that to work on a second Master's degree right now, and I'm hoping to squeeze some trips in during this time too, starting with Iceland and Israel!

I enjoy a lot of things and have tried a lot of things. I'm always up for an adventure - walking through the city, trekking through the woods! I love sports, especially basketball and volleyball... I could play them pretty much all day long, not even kidding. :) I like active endeavors too, like hiking, hunting, traditional archery, shooting, horseback riding (though I'm new to it), skiing (though I'm bad at it, haha), self-defense, working out, etc. I also really enjoy riding my motorcycle, a Ducati Multistrada 1100s. I sing some and play the guitar and pennywhistle (if you're not sure what that is, think "the flute-like sound in celtic music") a bit too. I love music :) ...but I don't know how to dance... never tried actually, haha. I appreciate good food and /do a bit of cooking from time to time, though I'm not especially good at it. ;) I love to learn how to cook new things, especially if I can cook with someone else... it's just more fun that way!

There's a lot more that interests me too; so, I'm sure we have some things in common! :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm hoping to travel more and meet new people. I think it's really awesome that this makes both of those things possible!! I can better afford to travel, and I get to meet new people too!! I'm a bit of a people person... so, this approach to travelling is perfect for me! :)

Right now, I live at home with my two siblings and mother who have health problems they're working through. So, I take my sister to appointments every week and help out with other things. Because of that, I can't really definitely offer a place to stay at this point, but I hope to change that eventually. Still, it wouldn't hurt to send me a request, and I can see if I can work something out... there's a chance; so, shoot me a request! :)

Interests

• writing
• singing
• walking
• motorcycles
• shopping
• music
• guitar
• hiking
• kayaking
• hunting
• archery
• adventure
• shooting
• riding horses
• hanging out
• nature walks
• singing in the shower

Music, Movies, and Books

Musicians: Brooke Frasier, Ellie Holcomb, Meredith Andrews, Courtney Jones, Audrey Assad

Movies: Batman Begins & The Kid (with Bruce Willis)... I know, they're totally different kinds of movies! But they're the best! :)

Books: Bible, Ivanhoe, Sherlock Holmes, and more instructional/informational books on different topics

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Loved someone unconditionally... even when she stopped loving me.

Teach, Learn, Share

Ummm... not sure what goes here... haha, I guess what all I've studied or know well enough to share/teach others?

I know about and can teach some advanced security, firearms training, traditional archery, hunting, professional writing, theology, Bible, vocal training, choral song leading, and some other things. If you want to try any of those things or learn about them, just let me know! :)

I love to learn about really almost anything. So, please share with me what you enjoy or are passionate about! If I can go along with you on a day at your job, I'd probably like to, and I don't mind helping too. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I like to help with things if I can - if you need help cooking, cleaning something, or working on something, I'm more than glad to help if I'm free. I hate doing dishes, but, for you, haha, I can commit to doing the dishes every day you allow me to stay with you. :) Other than that, I guess what experiences I've had in my life are open for conversation :)

Countries I’ve Visited

England, India, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States