A Semester Around the World

Thanks for your interest in my study abroad excursion! Please watch my video above if you have a chance, but if not, here's the short version:

1. I am trying to study abroad in Spring of 2013 with a program called Semester at Sea. I would sail around the world from January to April of 2013. While we're at sea, we take normal college courses. We would also stop in about 15 ports in Asia and Africa, and do many sorts of educational excursions in each port.

2. I want to take this trip primarily to build my communication skills, especially my ability to see the world from other people's perspectives. I don't think any experience could help me learn so much about that as quickly or thoroughly as this experience could.

3. I believe those communication skills are important for me as I...

"¢ Have engaging conversations with others about 

faith (I am a Christian)

"¢ Communicate with hundreds of people all day 

long as an Event Coordinator

"¢ Help people work through their struggles as a Professional Counselor

4. This trip is rather expensive, and if you would like to help me out as I work to become better at serving others in my life through communication, I would appreciate your help! But it is important to me that you feel no pressure - please make a free, uncompelled choice about contributing - and I know God will get me on this voyage if he wants me there, and if not, he has another plan. I also just really want to share my plans with you, so thanks for visiting my page!

Thank you also for your prayers; they are even more effective than your donations!

A. Upon my return, I will be making a DVD that combines photos, video journal, appropriate illustrations, and my voice to share how the journey looked through my eyes and how I am different because I went. For any donation of $200 or more, I will send you a copy of this DVD when it is complete. For a donation of any amount, I will send you a newsletter-type summary of my experience. Thanks for your help!

B. If I am not able to raise the money in time (by the first week of October), I will either extend my deadline a year and attempt to sail the following spring (2014), or I will make sure your donation is refunded to you.

C. As I get financing from sources other than GoFundMe, including several scholarships I am applying for, I will add them to this page also. I have already received several generous donations from friends and family! Thank you!