Category Archives: Uncategorized

How Did I Save For One Year Away?

Posted on March 10, 2019 by

I am seven months into my twelve month journey – so I am using this week to do a general status check…reviewing my finances, reflecting on my mental health, and beginning to plan for my return home. Starting with finances… … Continue reading →

Posted in Budget, Dave Ramsey, HeartsTravel, Hope for the Day, HopeTravels, Mental Health, Mental Health, Hope for the Day, Ramsey, Self Care, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Open Arms and Hearts at AlHadaf

Posted on February 28, 2019 by

People have asked about the process of establishing Hope Travels partnerships. There really isn’t a perfect answer, aside from the fact that I reach out to people in as many ways as possible…Google searches, Facebook messages, connections from friends, and … Continue reading →

Posted in AlHadaf, Amman, HeartsTravel, Hope for the Day, HopeTravels, Jordan, Kindness Rocks, Mental Health, Mental Health, Hope for the Day, Origami, Paper for Water, Self Care, The Kindness Rocks Project, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A Journey To Discover My One Word…

Posted on December 17, 2018 by

Late in 2017, as the spirit of reflection was in the air, I encountered an online testimony about the power of picking ONE WORD as an alternative to making a New Year’s resolution. The concept was appealing because my resolutions … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

What is the PITH of Black Pith Poetry?

Posted on December 6, 2018 by

Deep within a young tree is the pith, or soft tissue which stores and transports nutrients throughout. As the tree grows, rings surround this pith to show the evolution of time and development. After meeting the young men who are … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Black Pith Poetry, HeartsTravel, HFTD, Hope for the Day, HopeTravels, Kitwe, Mental Health, Mental Health, Hope for the Day, Origami, Paperforwater, Poetry, Self Care, Solwezi, Spoken Word, Travel, Uncategorized, Zambia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Art Matters

Posted on October 29, 2018 by

Surrounding ourselves with beauty matters. Art Matters. I appreciate the way cities around the world are embracing street art rather than making it a battling ground that diminishes the powerful messages drawn from public displays of creativity and color. During … Continue reading →

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Celebrating a Legacy in Senegal

Posted on October 21, 2018 by

The trauma of losing loved ones is universal and impacts mental health in everyone, but the cultural responses are so unique.  My own life and relationships have often been shaped by grief for lost loved ones, which gives me a personal … Continue reading →

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Loving “Teranga” in Senegal

Posted on October 7, 2018 by

Connecting with Senegalese partners about mental health often lead to similar conversations on the impact of stigma, the challenges of receiving adequate support, and the need to encourage conversations that heighten awareness on this topic. Discussions center on low reporting … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Visiting Accra Psychiatric Hospital

Posted on September 27, 2018 by

More than once after arriving in Ghana, I was told it was a shame to begin a year-long journey there because I will never meet nicer people in another country. “You should have saved the best for last,” is what … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Ghana, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Arriving in Accra

Posted on August 31, 2018 by

There is a risky feeling when preparing for middle of the night arrivals at a new destination. It’s easy to sit on a plane and ruminate on the potential challenges the mind creates. Airports are typically dark, empty and heavy … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Let’s Get This Adventure Started!

Posted on August 20, 2018 by

“A year? What will you do?” People asked so many logical questions when hearing about my leave of absence. And – I’ve had limited answers for the “where are you going” and “what are you going to do” small talk. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 18 Comments