Two years ago, during my junior year at the University of Michigan, I visited Nicaragua on my spring break, along with 10 other members of my community. We were there mostly to learn about the country---the second poorest in the western hemisphere---but also to bring medical supplies to the Casa Materna, a home that cares for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies.

Along the way, the eleven of us visited with several different development organizations, and met people who have dedicated their whole lives to providing basic goods and services to their sisters and brothers here in this extraordinary place. It was a deeply moving experience for me, and it stayed with me throughout my final year at Michigan.

Art class with the kids...

Unlike many graduating seniors, I was lucky to have a plan laid out in front of me as to what to do after graduation. Every single one of my Musical Theatre classmates packed up their bags and headed for the Big Apple, ready to tackle Broadway. And boy, have they done it. I'm incredibly proud of their innumerable successes in a notoriously un-crackable industry.

But there was something in me that just couldn't take the plunge. A small part of it was fear, I know...not wanting to submit myself to the daily evaluation and critique that is auditioning. But a large part of me just knew that I had some self-discovery to do, and it seemed a little masochistic to embark on my own "know thyself" journey, while simultaneously trying to get a job in the theatre.

So I packed my bags and headed south. I had limited contacts, zero Spanish skills, and a practically empty wallet. But I had been so inspired during my time in Nicaragua by the development workers I had met, I just knew that this country had something to teach me.

Class with the Street Kids

Things have unfolded far better than I could have ever expected. I've had numerous odd-jobs along the way, (working with theatre groups, helping build community centers, teaching reading classes, translating, and HIV/AIDS education, just to name a few) each of which has taught me something new about myself---and the world---that I didn't know before.

Building the Community Center

I haven't been living like a king, since every job has been a volunteer position. But without fail, every time I start to fret about finances, I'll get an email from a generous donor back home, telling me that they'd like to support this adventure I'm taking. My biggest supporters have
been the InterExchange Foundation, Canterbury House (my church in college), and the United Methodist Church of Gravois Mills, Missouri.

I'm going to keep riding this wave, at least until my current project ends around Christmas, 2008. At that point, I'll start thinking about heading home, or spending a few more months here on my own. Either way, you can follow my adventures on my Blog, which I update as often as I can. Additionally, if you ever feel a little tug on your heart and would like to support me financially, you can contact me via email. I'm already so grateful for all of the spiritual, emotional, and financial support I've received---I think my greatest lesson thus far has been that God takes care of us in our times of need.

Thanks for reading, and may you each find your own personal adventures that nourish and lift
your spirit, as much as this experience has mine.

The best friends come in small packages!