About

Hey there! I'm Ellie, a fast-talking, Ale-8 drinking, adventure-loving friend/Mom/partner/sister/daughter/woman/human. As a teenager, I developed a keen interest in global affairs and nurtured a dream of living and working abroad. Initially, I started my career in domestic refugee resettlement and teaching, thinking I might fulfill my overseas aspirations in my mid-to-late 20's. However, life took an unexpected turn when my mom was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. In response, I made a conscious decision to redirect my career and life trajectory to move home to Kentucky and care for her. Last year, after her passing, my partner Charlie and I decided it was time to rekindle our dream of living overseas. We sought opportunities, and luck was on our side as Charlie was offered an engineering job in Auckland, New Zealand. So, with twenty-two suitcases packed and our three bright-eyed children in tow, we embarked on this exciting journey.

Through this blog, I aim to share stories and insights from this time living abroad, while also making some space to continue reflecting on my decade of caregiving. The experience of caregiving was profound, and I hope my reflections will resonate with those who continue to walk that challenging path. As an avid lover of poetry and nature, you might stumble upon the occasional stray poem or random rumination of mine here as well.

Thanks for taking the time to read my stories! I'd absolutely love to hear from you, whether it's in the comments or via email.

xo, Ellie