Tag: imagine

April 26, 2017 – Trout Lake, Washington

Over two years in, but here’s another first. I’m sitting at Jack’s neighbor’s house (Karen and Stuart) eating dinner with them and three travelers who arrived earlier today – Will from England, and Leah and Alex from Minnesota. …

September 28, 2016 – Seattle, Washington

“How do you know when to stop putting everyone else’s needs above your own?” …the gentleman sitting across from me asks, rhetorically. He’s holding both of his arms out, palms up, painting a picture for Miri and I …

June 23, 2016 – Somewhere over Wyoming?

Part 1: Departing Flight “Mir. Sleep.” I’m writing a note to myself on my hand – a reminder to inform Miriam that she can sleep on my bed in the tool shed while I’m gone if she so …

April 12, 2016 – Helena, Montana

One month isn’t long enough. Or maybe it’s too long. As we sit around the living room, I realize that I could see myself getting attached to this family very easily. My hosts’ son is a man that …

October 8, 2015 – Finland, Minnesota

“Let it go, let it go…” I can’t help but laugh out loud as I hear Genavive recite the infamous lines from the highest grossing Disney movie of all time. Should’ve been The Lion King. Amelia says that …

May 31, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

Has it been five months already? Tonight is my last with my first hosts, and the feeling is bittersweet. I’m afraid Mari and Syr have set the bar a bit too high. They’ve shown me the undeniable strength …

April 15, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

Ripple effect: a situation in which one event causes a series of other events to happen; a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect of influence. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ …

January 28, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

“It’s nice to see a parent that takes the time to play with their child.” I smile and say, “Thank you,” to the kind stranger paying me such a compliment as I’m watching Syr play at a nearby …