CURRENT MISSION

To be the teacher and the writer

ABOUT ME

I've been on the road, and I've lived on the road. It's taken me all over the United States, and even put me on the cobblestones of Dublin, Galway, Belfast, and London. I've earned many nicknames, and I've learned the names and stories of thousands of others.

But it has grown time for me to set my feet for the time being, so I'm staying put. I'll be writing my memoirs from my traveling during this time.

PHILOSOPHY

I've learned a few philosophies over the years.

My father once told me: "No matter what happens to you, no matter how weary you become, keep your faith and keep walking. Never let anything stop you."

I developed a personal philosophy that is part of my Code. The tattoo on my arm reads:
"Defend The Weak,
Honor The Just,
Serve The Humble."

The philosophy to that means:
"When I Am Weak, I Shall Be Defended.
When I Seek Justice, I Shall Be Honored.
When I Learn Humility, I Shall Earn Service."

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'll do the hosting for the time that I'm not out wandering. I was shown such kindness many times over the years, and while I was able to help out a few travelers when I had different residences, I believe that through this program I can actually help the traveling community in the best way I could.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Back before Couchsurfing.org:

My town is an old nexus in Louisiana. Travelers come through here more often than you'd expect for such a small town. Several times (through different apartments as I bounced around) I would find a traveler sitting on my doorstep who was told I accommodate nomadic people. People of different genders and group numbers (max was four, then it just gets ridiculous) would show up hoping I could put them up for a night.

My code requires that I help travelers however I can without it being damaging to myself. I'd feed them, offer my bathroom to them, if possible wash their clothes (sometimes not available when not having a hook up for appliances) and give advice.

Now with Couchsurfing.org:

I loved getting a message that a traveler was coming in. I knew: a)when they would arrive, b)how long they'd stay, c)who they actually were, and d)who could vouch for them. It just makes my life way less stressful.

Interests

Story-telling, decent music, good conversation (over coffee or beer), food.

• writing
• dining
• beer
• coffee
• walking
• clothing
• traveling
• coding
• music
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Favorite movie of all time: "Secondhand Lions".

Favorite writers: Jonathan Swift, Jim Butcher, John Scalzi.

Favorite Band: Foo Fighters.

Music taste.....in a word, eclectic.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

There were a few moments that clued me in to the majesty of this world and God's touch upon our lives. I remember waking up in my vehicle to see a desert sunrise in Arizona; I remember looking upon the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs of Western Ireland. Most of all, I remember the sense of community felt when I was invited to stay at various places in the world, that great sense of kindness and generosity of others that taught me my Code of Hospitality.

Teach, Learn, Share

When you decide to become a nomad, vagabond, traveler, or whatever euphemism you wish to attach to yourself, you are taking part of one of humanity's oldest traditions: that of the wanderer. When you do this, you will be able to learn so much about the world, life, and God, that you simply wouldn't learn in a classroom.

As much as I want to be the teacher in the classroom, I've learned to enjoy teaching wherever, and whatever, I can. One of the things I learned pretty quickly (and will always suggest other travelers to learn) is the etiquette associated with being a traveler.

Countries I’ve Visited

Ireland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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