Background on Global Volunteering

I love to travel, and have traveled the world extensively. But in 2005, I decided that I would no longer travel as a tourist. There had to be a reason for my travel - either working or teaching or something! In February 2006, while camping solo in the mountains of New Zealand, it came to me. I realized that if I lived out of a tent, and people gave me a little food in exchange for my help, I could afford to just volunteer and travel - indefinitely. So I returned to Algona, Iowa, and set about preparing for this new life. Selling and giving away possessions, making plans to visit family and friends in the US before leaving, and researching volunteer opportunities. In August 2006 I decided that I would do my travel by bicycle rather than car. As long as I was physically able, it was a healthier and less expensive way to travel. This decision had major implications for how much 'stuff' I could take with me, and what kind of gear I would need. By October, I had renovated and sold the apartment building, had my father safely moved to a congregate living facility where he would have lots of support whenever he needed it, and had sold or given away nearly all my possessions. By the end of November, I had the bike and trailer ready to go, most of my gear, and volunteer plans through April, 2007. December 2, 2006 I left Algona.