The September Edition

It’s here. I’m sitting at the airport, ready to fly to the Philippines in less than 2 hours. Every now and then, I look around and wonder if this is real. Was it only two months ago that I left my job of 16 years? Did I really decide to volunteer around the world for the next year?

Several weeks ago, in the blur of packing up my house, I realized I couldn’t find my yellow fever vaccination card. As I’m planning to be in several countries where immunization proof is required, I was desperate in remember in which very safe spot I chose, so as not to lose it. I hate those very safe spots. In digging through files, I found an old folded up paper, tucked in with more critical information. It was a sheet of life goals I had written when I was about 19. The third one on the list was, “travel and live overseas for a year.” I had forgotten writing that. But it’s a nice feeling being able to check off a goal, or at least start. I also found my yellow fever vaccination card, in case you were worried.

I’ve been amazed at how this trip has come together. So many people have provided contacts and connections to organizations in each country. People created chain introductions, with intermediaries putting their reputation on the line to recommend me to someone with a volunteer opportunity. They didn’t actually know me, but trusted a friend who trusted a friend who trusted me. I don’t take that trust lightly, and have already met some phenomenal people through your circles of circles. Thank you!

I am also feeling so blessed by everyone who has helped, supported, and encouraged me. Thank you to those who reached out, showed up, and didn’t believe me when I thought I just had “a few more things to finish but I think I’m ok!” A special thanks to my second mom Anita who has spent days helping me pack up my house. You guys, she is an unstoppable machine. She also lifts weights. Do not mess with her.

I’ve also loved the surprise people I’ve met so far, even before my adventure really began. Several weeks ago, I was in church with a friend I met volunteering at a refugee camp in Greece. She saw a former colleague whom she hadn’t seen in years and we went to say hi after the service. I started sharing my story and as the conversation continued, we had an instant connection. As I mentioned my first stop was the Philippines, she laughed and said, “That’s amazing, I was born there!” “Oh? You should come with me!” A few days later, I got a message from her saying she would! So I’m starting the journey with a friend, and know that she is the first of many I’ll meet along the way. You are welcome to join me too!!

So here we are, and off we go! I’m ready for whatever comes next. Next stop, day two.

This is happening. It still feels surreal. My house is a mountain of packing paper and boxes. I’m discovering weird food combinations as I’m trying to clean out my kitchen (what else can I use wasabi on…?). I have occasional moments of panic as I wonder what I might be forgetting.

But it’s happening!

I purchased my ticket to the Philippines, leaving September 11. I’ve had my bags packed for weeks. This is a shocking amount of planning ahead for me and a surprisingly nice sensation.

I’ve been scouring blogs to get packing lists and tips on what not to bring. The real round the world experts can travel with only a backpack. I hope to graduate to that level next round, but I’m at one backpack and one carry-on suitcase right now. If you come visit me, don’t be surprised if I ask to borrow some of your clothes, just to mix things up a bit.

It’s fascinating to see, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” equated in boxes. I have so, so many books. And so, so much kitchen stuff. And 12 bins of Christmas decorations.

Packing up your life is an interesting trip to your past. I am constantly remembering where I was and why I purchased a certain thing. I used to think baking would be a much bigger part of my life. Turns out I’m not a big fan of sugar. I found these adorable glass umbrella stir sticks that I got from Crate and Barrel, probably circa 2002. I pictured using them in a distinctive recipe, with a touch a mint, probably some strawberries, and a perfect sunny day. I hope the next owners who discover them at Goodwill will have more success in the usage implementation. On the other hand, the extra table and chairs I got from Target were used often, hosting dinners and gatherings that spilled out of my dining room into the extra space created. The mismatched wood from the two tables wasn’t elegant, but the conversations and friendships it enabled was nothing short of beautiful. I hope the next owners will find as much joy in a table and chairs as I have.

One week to go! I have quite the list of things still to do, but I have always had a gifted capacity for magical thinking when it comes to time. This is why I often run late (but my remorse at making you wait is always genuine!!). So a day or two out I may be in full panic mode, but right now I’m feeling pretty good. One week to go!

I woke up one morning and decided to leave my job, sell my house, and travel for a year. However, I quickly realized I would want something more to do while exploring the world’s wonders.

I have always had a passion for organizations and people focused on relieving human suffering. The plan for this next year is to find opportunities where I can volunteer for 3-6 weeks at a time in the countries I visit. I’m starting in Southeast Asia September-January and will move to Africa February-July to finish out the year.

This is where I need your connections! Who do you know in these regions who would be interested in some extra help? You can see my professional background on LinkedIn, although I’m happy to contribute wherever is needed.

Topics of particular interest include:
-working with those in extreme poverty or neglect
-orphanages and disadvantaged children 
-refugees
-economic development and job creation, particularly for women
-combating religious persecution 
-anti-human trafficking 
-democracy and freedom

I’d prefer to have a personal referral. Large and established organizations that we’ve all heard about rarely accept random volunteers. But I know that I know enough people who know enough people working in these countries that I’m sure my itinerary will start to shape up pretty quickly with our combined efforts!

I’m excited to start my journey next month in the Philippines with Jonathan and Vanessa Capone, directors of King’s Garden Children’s Home. My Great-Aunt founded the orphanage when she was 76 years old (what have you always wanted to do?). Where should I go after that?

Please feel free to message me, tag people you know, or email me directly at theseptemberedition@ gmail.com. Thanks for your help in making my volunteer year effective and worthwhile!

I left my job. I’m selling my house. I’m going to travel.

I know it’s something we’ve all dreamed about and laughed about for years. It’s one of those, “Wish I could” musings that make the daily slog slightly more interesting. But every now and then someone actually has to do it, just to show we all still can.

I’ve always made good financial decisions. When I was in Jr. High, I earned $2,000 babysitting over two summers (going rate was $2 an hour!) and invested the money for college. I landed a job with the federal government at 21. I bought a house at 25. I’ve saved for retirement.

Leaving financial security and future stability does not seem wise. But it kinda seems fun. I realize that’s also how people get started in a life of crime, but I’m hoping for the best.

First thing: the job. I’ve worked for the Department of Commerce for 16 years, assisting companies in the healthcare and life science industry expand globally. I most recently returned from a 5 month stint in DC working in our headquarters office. It’s rare that you get a natural breakpoint in a career, but the detail allowed me to extract myself from projects and provided a natural and tidy wrap-up. It was the right time to do something different. I’m not sure if blow up your life and burn the ships different might have been a bit heavy handed, but here we are. I’ve always liked fire.

Next thing: the house. I have lived here for 13 years. I have a basement. You know what that means? So much stuff. I have a deeply sentimental streak and I don’t intend to abandon life in the U.S. forever, so it’s a balance of purging the old or paying for storage. And I hate paying for things. But so much stuff. And then the process of selling a house! Ahhhhh! And when it sells, you’re homeless. Which is the best case outcome. Which is kinda weird.

And then: the travel. I love traveling. I love new places and new people. I love learning history and the how and why things are that way. But this is a year. That’s a long time to be uprooted. I plan to leave in September, depending on when my house gets sold. I don’t have that part quite figured out yet, but I am a rather last minute traveler. Several years ago, I was going to Portugal for a few days. As I was waiting at SeaTac, realized I should probably find a place to sleep that night. So I did, downloaded directions from the airport, and boarded the plane. I’m not saying it’s the best way to travel, but I have yet to sleep under a bridge in a foreign country. There is always a first, however!

In the meantime, I’m packing up my house and thoroughly enjoying summer in Seattle. I’ve never been a stay-at-home person before — I highly recommend it!

Every now and then I stop and think, “What on earth have I done???” It’s both exciting and terrifying, but I doubt I’ll be bored. Sometimes the worst mistakes make for great adventures. If nothing else, this may just become the best story of my life. And I do like a good story.