How I Ended Up In Hawaii

About seven months ago, I decided I was going to leave everything I've ever known and travel full time. Things to accomplish before I left: sell practically everything I own, quit my job, spend time with family, and mentally prepare for this journey. I quit working the end of December and spent the entire month of January getting my affairs in order.

Time flew by, as it tends to do, and I was feeling a plethora of emotions - stoked about this epic life change, saddened by leaving friends and family, curious of what was to come, and nervous about packing my entire life into a few bags. I did have a few fleeting moments where I questioned going on this journey. But every time I did, the universe sent the sign I needed to reassure me. One example is my previous employer told me of the Hawaiian saying "Eddie Would Go" (Eddie Aikau) which I had never heard of before. I was heading to a doctor appointment the next day when I saw an "Eddie Would Go" bumper sticker on the car in front of me. Or how about when I wandered into a Hair Cuttery in Locust Grove, Georgia only to meet a woman whose daughter was doing the exact same thing as I'd planned to do - see the world by starting out as a WWOOFer in Hawaii.

I chose Hawaii because I've always wanted to go and it geographically makes sense because I want to eventually visit New Zealand, Australia, and Southeast Asia. I decided to WWOOF (WWOOF) in places that are equally or more expensive than the US so I can enjoy low-cost travel while also expanding my horizons, contributing to people's passions, and meeting all kinds of folks. So on 2/4/13, I arrived at the Honolulu airport and was picked up by my soon-to-be farming mentor to WWOOF on his wonderful organic farm in Waimanalo.

My new home is a budding 3 acre aquaponics farm (Aquaponics). I've been here a mere two days and I'm loving it. My hometown of Jacksonville, Florida is very flat so the consistent view of Oahu's mountains is awe-inspiring.

And then there are the beaches and stunning scenic views.

The people I've met are all so friendly and have interesting stories to tell. There are 3 other WWOOFers here right now: a girl from Tennessee that has been here since October 2012 and a couple from New York City that will spend a total of two weeks on this farm. The food is provided and we all takes turns cooking. Everyone makes such tasty organic meals...::looks around nervously:: This is where I had to inform my new friends that I don't know how to cook but am eager to learn and I can make a fabulous sous chef in the meantime. I swam in the Pacific Ocean for the first time today at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.

I'm also enjoying the challenge of learning farm life and all it entails. So far I've: planted seedlings (spinach, mustard greens, and Anuenue lettuce), watered gardens, fed chickens and collected their eggs, harvested sunflower sprouts, pulled and peeled pole and soy beans, and helped prepare screens to cover the aquaponic beds. I've also done a little sightseeing while running errands. All in all, this is definitely a brand new chapter in my life that I couldn't be happier to write!

Before I go to sleep each night, I send everyone love and look forward to the next day being a new opportunity to explore and learn. I hope to share my experiences through this blog so you can see the world through my eyes and maybe one day be inspired to make your dream a reality too.

- CC