Sam I am! I am a lover of books, animals, adventures, and warm beverages.
I am an introverted people-person- I love to connect at a personal level, but I also love alone time.
I completed a Peace Corps service in Ukraine as a youth development volunteer.
Tolkien is a literary god, and his books can make any day better, especially when curled up with a furball.
There isn't a problem in the world that some elbow grease, a lotta love, and a little sugar can't fix.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I want to experience the world through other people's eyes. I want to perceive the world from other's experiences and learn about culture deeper than at a tourist's level.

My time with Peace Corps gave me a huge appreciation and desire to dive deeper into the cultures of the countries I visit. I want to learn the history, the traditions, and the mindsets of those around me, as well as share experiences over a cup of something tasty.

Interests

• animals
• cats
• dogs
• horses
• culture
• photography
• sketching
• human rights
• cooking
• coffee
• baking
• yoga
• walking
• reading
• drawing
• social work
• conversation
• horseback riding
• learning
• traditions
• tolkien
• cold weather

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite band is Anberlin, but I have a healthy love of all music, ranging from rock, to country, to folk, to classical.
The best books in the world are The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series, The Eragon Quartet, along with anything by Brandon Sanderson or Tamora Pierce. There are plenty more, but I’ll ramble for ages.
As for movies, I was a sheltered kid, so I don't know many. I'd be excited to hear your suggestions!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I consider Peace Corps the most amazing thing I've done. I had never traveled before, and being from a smaller town in the Midwest of America, it was a huge step for me. I lived with Ukrainian host families for 9 months, learned how to integrate into my community, worked on a grant with my partner organization, learned a new language, and met some of the most amazing people.
My time in Ukraine taught me patience, flexibility, mindfulness, and just going with the flow- something I struggled with in the states (I had a very type A personality). Sometimes I still struggle, but life is a learning process.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach..
Some Ukrainian
A dish or baked goods- chili or cookies, for example

Learn..
Culture
Traditions
A new dish
About you
Better horsemanship

Share..
An open mind
Experiences
Cookies

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love baking, and will gladly make you bread, cookies, cupcakes, or whatever else your heart desires (as long as I can get the ingredients!).

Along with that, I can share experiences, stories, and a warm conversation over a cup of coffee.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ukraine, United States