In December of last year I found myself in an awkward place - I was living in Boulder, CO and was happy. But I was overrating my happiness at the expense of not growing nor being personally challenged. The last time I had this feeling was in 2006 when I decided to leave Nashville and relocate to Boulder. So naturally I began wondering if it might be time for me to pick up and move again. Though I have no regrets about my move to Boulder, the decision was definitely one made in haste and flight. It was a good model at the time and I learned a great deal from that approach, but I decided that this time around I wanted to be slightly more methodical and deliberate about my next move.For the next four months I dedicated countless hours to identifying my next adventure. I developed a list of criteria several pages long that my new destination must meet, which included...natrual beauty, the opportunity to work in a health setting with an underserved population, low cost of living, healthy job market, and the availability of potatoes. When my vetting and research was all said and done, I had narrowed my options down to two locations: Thailand and Idaho.
In one week from today I'll be turning over a fresh leaf and starting a new life in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My tentative plan is to teach English to grade school children for several months while looking for a job in a health clinic near the Burmese border. I have a one-way ticket, but I anticipate being there anywhere between 10 months and the rest of my life. I'm leaving all my belongings behind, with the exception of what I'm able to carry on my back. I'll miss my friends, my family, my routine, my bicycle, Fergi, comfort, burritos, and my life as I know it...but it's time. And I couldn't be more thrilled nor thankful.
(And yes, I have already submitted my absentee ballot.)
4 comments:
I MISS YOU ALREADY!!!! And I'm just jealous that you get to go on this lifechanging adventure, but I know that you'll love it and have the greatest time. Goodluck with your travels and yes, I will be reading your blog.
Cresa! I miss you girl! It's so lonely without you and Dar-du here. I'll definintely be following your blog and look forward to hearing about your adventures. Good luck and most of all have fun! Love ya!
~Mesha :)
let me know if you'd like the low-down skinny on chiang mai...it's a fun place to explore and get to know, but if you'd like a starter pack i have one at the ready.
Safe travels, Opheliazon!
with love,
andy
Congrats Lil Cuz! I can still vividly remember stopping by the hospital to see you when you were born. It was the day before I left for college...just starting on my search to find myself I guess. Twenty seven years later, I'm still searching optimistically. (-:
This is an exciting time! I'll be checking your blog to see how you are. One day, maybe the whole Leonard Family will pack up and head east to spend Thankgiving with you! I'm cracking up just imagining that sight...Ellen, Donnie, Do, Toby, Aunt Cresa, Jeffrey, Verdell, Bina, Prentice, etc., etc.. Thailand would never be the same. LOL! Seriously, I'm proud of you and you are eternally in my prayers. Keep soaring and never come down!!!!
Love,
Jonathan
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