Square One: New Friends & New Challenges
A lot can happen in two weeks. Two weeks ago I had no friends outside of my host family and job, I wasn’t involved in any activities or organizations, and I hadn’t even started my official job. As I write…
Category Stories
Getting Into the Swing of Things
Hello again! The last two weeks have zipped past, and I honestly can’t believe it’s already time to write another update. Life has been beautifully full and chaotic, so I’m going to update you categorically, instead of chronologically. …
Thoughts & Feelings from the Middle of the Storm
Hey all! I hope you’re hanging in there and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Though I typically enjoy summery weather, I have to admit that this time of year fills me with a deep nostalgia for the U.S. Midwest.…
A Promising Start
One week ago, I landed in the George Best Belfast City Airport. I was sweaty, deliriously sleep deprived, and eager to begin my life here. Expecting the nightmarish winds and torrential rain of lore, I…
Such a time as this
I’m at the Miami International Airport on my way to Nashville, coincidentally for work. For the next two weeks, my job is to help share the story behind the bags and sell them at conferences along the eastern coast. I…
Welcome to Bournemouth!
Well folks, I made it! I’ve spent nearly a week in England, and it has both been a whirlwind and has stretched by slowly. Let me update you: The journey there was quite breezy. The last time I traveled internationally…
A Change in Weather
I’ve reached the point in my trip where the excitement and newness is wearing off and I’m settling into mundane rhythms. This is life now; it’s tea in the mornings, long bus rides, Harry Potter reruns and homemade dinners. It’s…
The Spice of Life
Security guard. Chef. Fashion consultant. Janitor. Nanny. Therapist. Translator. Manager. What do all of these jobs have in common? They’re the many hats I have worn in my nearly 2 months as a full-time volunteer with FM4 Paso Libre. Of…
Hello, Goodbye
Yesterday I moved from Nashville, my home of four years, back to Indianapolis for a week. The sun is less harsh, the streets are quieter, and I get to listen to my parents bemoan how the neighborhood fountain hasn’t been…
Belfast Bound
It’s almost time for my adventure to begin! Two weeks from today, I’ll be stepping off the plane in Belfast. I’ll be wearing everything that doesn’t fit in my suitcase (I’m talking multiple winter coats), so I will definitely not…