It’s always bittersweet getting to the end of a really good book. If you’re anything like me, you get attached to the characters and might even delay finishing the last chapter just to prolong the experience. But the ending is inevitable, and usually provides some relief and resolve. A space to reflect and let it all sink in.

I find I’m able to get to this final place of reflection only after I’ve finished the book and put it away on the shelf. 

Even though I felt some internal resistance, I kept moving through this final chapter of my time in Bend. And now I sit on a 10 hour flight to Japan with plenty of reflecting to do, finally.

This last week at “home” was not boring. I set myself up for a lot of overwhelm by deciding in a week’s time I would pack for both of my upcoming trips, move out of my house, and take a three-day avalanche education course in the backcountry. Not to mention all the last minute logistical tasks and trying to get some solid hangs in with each of the Bend friends (the best characters of em all!).

So the emotions came out all over the place as I felt the carpet slowly being pulled from under me. It didn’t help that Sam was 9 times zones away in Nigeria and had shitty WiFi, only creating the illusion of connection yet with no fluid dialogue. It was a struggle, but definitely something we have to expect in signing up for an international partnership. He’s in Cape Town now where there is much better WiFi bandwidth. The distance is definitely making me appreciate the little things!

My last week in Bend ended with more love and support than I could have ever asked for. I was happily reminded how everything is better with friends; skiing, packing, potlucking, teaching yoga, and going to the airport. I have so damn much to be grateful for, and now I’ll take the gratitude with me my globetrot. Luckily it fits in my carry-on ;)

Grateful for my sweet, sunny room which held me through a lot this past year.

Grateful for this perfect storage space at Sam’s mom’s place.

Grateful for these hilarious, supportive, beautiful, big-hearted humans.

Grateful for scoring a window seat on the mountain-facing side!

Grateful for this opportunity... so, so grateful. Let the next chapter begin 📖

Hey blog, it's been a minute! My writing has taken a back burner over the past year or so...  I haven't been doing much exploring outside the PNW lately. I've been more rooted than I have been in a long time here in Bend, Oregon. I spent the past year working in my first ever salary-wage position and not taking much time off. But that's all about to change... :)

In one week I'll be heading to Japan, and another three weeks after that, Africa.

I started feeling a hankering for a life change about half a year ago, and began thinking about putting my yoga teaching certification to use more. Before I even had time to give that thought much consideration, I was grabbing a beer with my friend (and badass mountain babe) Maddie, and she mentioned needing a yoga teacher for an upcoming retreat she was hosting. In Japan. All women. Skiing and practicing yoga daily. Not to mention some other amazing perks.

And that's how this life change all began, just like that! I couldn't remember a time I'd felt more excited about showing up to something as I did when I said “yes" to Japan.

From there, life seemed to keep opening doors for me that I kept deciding to walk through, even when it meant needing to shut some others.

Bend has provided me with all one could ever wish for in a home... loving community, endless fun activities, healthy food, a beautiful place to foster external connection and internal reflection... so why leave?

Maybe in part to remind myself that home isn't a place on the globe, it's a place in my heart. I need to create space to nestle into that home again. I'm incredibly influenced by those around me, so sometimes I need to drift around for a bit to rediscover my own personal influence.

And really I'm just “winging it" at this whole life thing. Why not? I mean it's taken me some absolutely incredible places so far. Plus I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there doing the same... ;) The older I get the more I believe we don't actually know much about life, our own or in general. Some of the most clarity around this comes when we chose to let go and wing it for a while.

Let Go & Trust. I notice some of my past travel mantras resurfacing the closer I get to leaving. Ready to guide me once again. I've missed them.

I'm encountering new ground too, as I learn to trust in a new realm. Trusting my heart in a new relationship. Little did I know that when Sam, a friend of mine from the University of Oregon, messaged me in late summer to meet up, he also had romantic intentions on his mind. Even though he had plans to travel to Africa, it didn't take long for us to fall hard and fast for one another. And I quickly became a factor in his travel plans (“welcome to factorville!").

Traveling with someone is a big commitment, but is something I've been craving since I was last abroad. So when Sam suggested it, with his non-pressuring confidence, it was another easy “yes". Or, “fuck it," I believe is what I said first. I know, I know, sooo romantic. Before long we had committed to a volunteer position at a school in rural Tanzania for three months. And things have only been getting better from there.

So fast forwarding to now, I am moving out of my house in Bend, just quit my job at New Vision Wilderness Therapy, having daily FaceTime chats with Sam (who is currently in Nigeria), and making my final preparations for my travels! That begin in one short week!

A more detailed itinerary (for Mom and Dad):

• 1/13 Drive to Portland
• 1/14 Fly from Portland to Tokyo
• 1/16 Travel to Hakuba Valley
• 1/20 - 1/27 Co-host Women's Ski + Yoga Retreat with Maddie
• 1/27 - 2/2 Co-host Women's Ski Retreat with Maddie
• 2/4 Fly from Tokyo to Portland
• 2/4 Drive to Sisters, rest, re-pack for Africa
• 2/6 Fly from Redmond to Africa
• 2/8 Reunite with Mr. Sam in Tanzania
• 2/10 Travel to the village where we will be living
• 2/11 - 4/30 Volunteer, play, travel, explore, embrace Africa
• 4/30 Fly from Africa to Redmond (yes, I have a return flight this time!)
• 5/1 Sleep for a week :)

I will do my darnedest to update this often with pictures, stories, insights, and updates. I am filled to the brim with love and support and feel beyond grateful to be diving into this new chapter. Even if I don't know what I'm doing ;) so on that note, I leave you with this...


“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have
and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
you must believe that one of two things will happen.
There will be something solid for you to stand upon,
or you will be taught to fly.” 

— Patrick Overton