HAWAII / YOGA / VOLUNTEER - MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Lynn Iverson Start Date: Dec 5, 2016 - End Date: Dec 4, 2017
  • Hawaii, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Lynn Iverson Start Date: Dec 5, 2016 - End Date: Dec 4, 2017
I'm a 47 year old divorced mom who is about to be an empty nester. I have always wanted to make a difference - volunteer, learn, share & meet new and interesting people outside of Wisconsin where I was born and have lived my entire life. In the past few years I've made several changes in my life. In January of 2012 I began an exercise program and found a love for running. I went from 230 pounds to 150 pounds and ran my first half marathon in October 2012 in just under 2 hours; I've been hooked ever since! Once I dropped the weight, I decided to become a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor and yoga instructor so I can help motivate others, I love helping people!

I've also had the opportunity to visit Hawaii and I found a love for the islands and the people. One of my favorite things about Hawaii is that the weather allows people to be active year 'round. It fits in with my new healthy lifestyle and it's my hope that I can do volunteer work there to help the people of Hawaii while being in a climate that allows me to run and exercise all year long. I've been waiting for my daughter to graduate from high school so I can move forward with plans to travel to Hawaii long term to do that volunteer work (hopefully settling down and becoming a citizen of Hawaii eventually). I have found several programs that will allow me to live cheaply while I volunteer (although I will not be staying in luxury by any means...huts in a rainforest with no electricity or plumbing - walking with a flash light to the bathroom, etc) but I'm OK with that! I just want to be in Hawaii working to help others while getting the chance to run in weather that's nicer than Wisconsin's Winters in my off time! I am also excited that I will get to instruct yoga as part of my volunteer duties which is such an honor...being able to share yoga as part of a volunteer project will be incredible!

I know there are plenty of people out there who want to get out and do volunteer work but for whatever reason, they aren't able to. Maybe it's due to family obligations, injury, disability, financial reasons..whatever the reason, sometimes we just can't move forward with our dreams. I shouldn't just quit my job and leave Wisconsin as I need to save up more money to have a cushion to help with airfare, money to ship my car over since it's a good, small car that is great on gas mileage & I've been told I'll need a car since the nearest city is 1/2 hour drive. I'll also need money for food and other expenses until I can get a paying job that works around my volunteer duties. It's alot to think about and plan - it's makes me very nervous to think about leaving everything behind to start a new adventure...but I also know that it will be good for me. I have terrible health insurance here in Wisconsin through Healthcare.gov. In Hawaii the healthcare is so much better and for that reason alone, I really need to do this. I'm not looking for a free ride - I plan to work and work hard - in fact, because I do plan to get a full-time paying job in addition to my volunteer duties I'll be doing, it looks as though I'll be working 7 days a week. 

Please consider helping me with whatever amount you're able - I will continue to keep in touch with everyone who assists me and insure that you stay up to date on the progress of my travels, volunteer work and positive impacts I'm able to make. Thank you!
  • Hawaii, United States of America

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