“Do not ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”–Howard Thurman
I am a Southern girl who moved to Morocco and then the Dominican Republic to write, travel, mom, teach, and learn…so far, across 4 continents and the Caribbean. After living abroad three years, I’m back in Nashville, Tennessee telling my travel tales and helping others tell theirs. Every sense is still on high alert and I love sharing journeys of adventure, relationship, and beauty–gifts that make life rich wherever we live, whatever our age. I believe there is always something new to discover whether in our own backyard or country-hopping abroad.
Since teaching English in Italy one summer, I’d dreamt of living an expat life. I’d been to many countries and still wanted to travel more, write more, and learn more from culturally diverse people and places. My gypsy soul promised myself when the kids left the nest, I’d fly away, too. As a single mom who taught English at the school they attended K-12, when they were gone I felt lost and needed new. I had a great life in Nashville–an established career, friends, and family I loved–but I knew it was time to go. So I landed in Africa. Solo. Sight unseen.
Like many who take the road less traveled, I love Paulo Coelho’s words in The Alchemist: “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” We may not get everything we dream of at once, but I’ve learned God fulfills desires He plants within us. I am so thankful for living my dream of having children and raising two amazing human beings. I’m so thankful for the creation of another life–mine– and watching it continue to grow.
Travel and the expat life was not all pools and palm trees. Every day there were challenges– having no car, waiting months for a residency card, periodic safety warnings, using French and Spanish keyboards. I sobbed and physically ached every time I told my children goodbye. I missed my family, my friends, my pets and my house. I missed Nashville. But I’m very thankful for that time. That season. Moving abroad in August of 2014 stretched me, allowing me to learn and contribute in new ways.
Bucket List Bliss in Sahara Desert
Lake Como with a friend…perfection. I fell in love with Italy in 2005 and vowed to move abroad one day.
I still go to Italy every chance I get and loved New Year’s Eve in Venice.
Summer 2014 Farewell Party given by my brother-in-law, Jeff, and sister, Penny (from left) Jeff; my daughter, Taylor; my niece, Abby; my son, Cole; my Mom, Beverly; my sister, Penny
Some of the gang (from left) Andy, Ruffino, Beth, Cheryl, Jonathan, Carol, April, Best Friend Kim (standing)
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Looking forward to meeting this guy
Moving to Morocco was one of the best decisions of my life.
In August 2016 Taylor and I moved to The Dominican Republic for a Mother-Daughter adventure.
My son, Cole, graduated college and started his career as we explored the Caribbean.
Traveling to over 25 countries and living abroad in two of them was something I’ll never regret. Though I lost more than expected, I gained more than imagined.