Family

The Grand Canyon and a Tiny Speck

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 First Person ForeignArizona

For each man sees himself in the Grand Canyon – each one makes his own Canyon before he comes. Each one brings and carries away his own Canyon.-Carlsburg Traveling makes me think about mortality. Well,[…]

My Weekend with Brócoli

October 17, 2018October 17, 2018 First Person ForeignBlank Slate

On this quiet Sunday afternoon, I was sandwiched squarely between an older, sleeping man and a younger woman in bright coral and pink traje with plastic beading shouting across the neckline. I don’t love this[…]

Maestra de Inglés

September 15, 2018September 15, 2018 First Person ForeignBeauty

Maestra de Inglés, English teacher. I’ve always wondered if the word Maestra and Master are related. Either way, I’ve never had such a title. When I gave a diplomado in early 2018, I wanted to[…]

Boy Comes Home | The Pueblo Press Issue Three

July 15, 2018July 15, 2018 First Person ForeignBeauty

I’ve been in Peace Corps service for a year and a half of my two year commitment. I’m not sure you can call this the ‘home stretch,’ especially because I do not play sports, but[…]

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (2017)

February 3, 2018February 3, 2018 First Person ForeignBest Friends

Since I booked my trip in August (through my parents’ generous sponsorship), the thought of going back to the United States for Christmas shimmered in the wintry distance. I would say it was a “much-deserved”[…]

First Time Back | The Last Day in New York

September 2, 2017September 2, 2017 First Person ForeignFamily

On Monday July 3 I woke up in a hotel on the corner of 7th and 51st, Midtown Manhattan. My sister and brother-in-law had already found a place for breakfast/lunch (we slept in!). As we[…]

Dinner at the Mayor’s Part 2: Conversations in Alaska, 29 of 50

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We sat across from Susie and next to Joe. The distinguished man of the household, former mayor, and elder of the Tlingit community; of course, he posted at the head of the table. The table[…]

Conversations in Alaska: “Kids Don’t Have to Be Expensive,” 48 of 50

July 27, 2016August 3, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I talked yesterday to a deckhand engineer in his laidback carhartts and button-down cotton shirt. He paused and stood outside Salmon Landing. He said “Where are you coming from?” “I had to deposit some laundry[…]

Saying Goodbye to my Sister

September 10, 2015April 18, 2016 First Person ForeignStruggles

My family knows I will be back in two months. Last time I told my family I would be back in two months. My sister dropped me off after we ate Mexican today. Last time[…]