My parents have always raised me to be grateful for what I have. I live in a safe and wealthy town with a superior education system, I have amazing friends and family, a roof over my head, and proper food and clothing.
The first day of my life took place in a military hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. My father was an officer in the U.S. Army and my mother stayed in the home. While living in Germany I attended a German school where my brother and I were the only students who spoke English. Despite the fact that we did not speak the same language, we were able to interact the same way most young children would. As an adult I have often thought that my desire to travel and search for diverse human relationships was influenced by my early childhood.
Being in second grab and getting asked to go on a trip to Mexico to help people not in the same economic state as me, was terrifying. I didn’t want to go to a place I didn’t know, I didn't want to be with people who I didn't know well, and I definitely didn’t want to go on a plane! All of the “no’s” pulled into my head as my parents tried to convince me to go on a trip that would “change my life.” I made excuse after excuse while we sat there talking, and finally the courage clicked, and I would soon be off on a trip of a lifetime.
Costa Rica is a very beautiful and unique place. It was my first time going there and I loved it! It was much different than the United States in ways I didn’t mind or even enjoyed. We saw many things and went many places while we were down there. I am ready to go back again already and do new, exciting things. However, we did a lot while we were down there.
It was a hot, searing day as the sun beat down on my skin. The lush green palm trees provided me shade as I sat and observed my surroundings. Children, barefoot and dirty, wearing tattered and stained clothes were running around laughing and playing. Their joyous giggles put a smile on my face and warmed my heart as I watched them.
The fact that there isn’t any one place in particular that I can say I come from is a big part of what has made me who I am. From the friends I made in Texas to the memories I made in Hawaii all the places I have been having left an impact on me as a person. I am glad I have lived in so many places and met so many people because I can see the world optimistically and know no matter where I go or who I’m with I can find a way to make the most out of
country. It taught me the strength of the human condition and showed me the level of gratitude felt by those who
In my early years, I hadn't given much thought to the depth of this city, only knowing bits and pieces of the puzzle that I was trying to put together in my head. However, as the years went by, I grew accustomed to the city, its people, and its ways. This city influenced and shaped my persona into the individual I am today. This city taught me a great deal of what
Puerto Rico is a perfect mix of cultures and languages. Caribbean, Spanish, African and North American influences meet in this fascinating archipielago, right in the heart of the Greater Antilles. Keep reading to find out some interesting things you may not know about Puerto Rico!
I was born to a nondenominational Youth Pastor and a Medical Sales Representative on July 30, 1996 in a tiny town in the Philippines called Naga Growing up, I spent most of my time with my many cousins. There was always someone to play with and always something to do. When my dad got the opportunity to become the Head pastor at a church in Northern California he took it. In November of 2002 my mom quit her job, we packed up our belongings, said our goodbyes and moved to Fremont, California.
In my travels of the world I have found myself immersed in many cultures and varieties of ethnicity; I have been very fortunate to live in a day and age where such communication and experience is possible in one lifetime. I have seen La Cathedral de Notre Dame, the Statue of Liberty, the home of Da Vinci, and so many more wonderfully spiritual and historic monuments. Yet still I can say with the utmost certainty that no location has left such a lasting impact on my soul as the quaint, simple country of Costa Rica. Although many places have penetrated me with a sense of what the majestic earth and her inhabitants are capable of and have forced me to question whether or not anything is beyond the grasp of human ingenuity, none have brought
My whole family and I were devastated by the sudden death of my uncle Ryan. He had been sick with what we had thought was the flu, but later realized that it was pneumonia. I believe that we learned so much from this experience and were able to come closer as a family. As a result of my uncle’s death, my whole family decided to take a get-a-way trip to the Dominican Republic during his birthday and Christmas. While I was there I learned a very important lesson; I am blessed to live in the United States.
Going to Guatemala has changed many of my perspectives of life. I live in a big, flagstone house, in a peaceful neighborhood in Anderson, Indiana. I grew up knowing how blessed and privileged I was, but I did not know the extent. I was so excited to go to Guatemala, travel out of the country, and experience all the amazing
As a child, people will always remember certain destinations that stick with them that made a good impression. I have a place that not only made a good impression, it changed me. It made me think off all the things in life people take for granted; places, people, activates. This place brought all though special things in life to one place where I can enjoy them all at the same time. The Oregon coast. Traveling there, as a kid was always special. Waking up early in the morning and driving the long trip there, going through forests, valleys, and cities.