Cary

United States
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
I am a youthful, adventurous, friendly, hard working, and an engaging 62 yo mom, sister, daughter, friend, English teacher and registered nurse. Currently, I am running a home based business that feeds my heart and soul in creating shared experiences for travelers who come to my part of the world. My partner of 32 years and I had many adventures including our favorite, raising three thoughtful and conscientious sons. We decided to support each other in pursuing very different interests/goals and cheerlead each other on with divorce. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with early onset dementia and I am proud to say I prioritized supporting my boys and helping navigate his care until he passed a year ago. What a journey life is! I am so grateful for the challenges as well as the pure joys. I am excited about new freedom to travel and explore personal
passions more deeply and still hold dear my life's lessons. I share loose care of my 90 year old parents with my siblings and am committed to them. I also have a big investment in my personal gardens and interests in living more simply and repurposing, recreating and skills sharing vs. money spending all the time. With degrees/certifications in English, Nursing, Conflict Studies, Fundraising and Nonviolent Communication, TESOL and Master Gardening, I approach projects with a plethora of skills and interests. I initiated/coordinated our volunteer projects in SE Asia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, Spain and Morocco, and Tanzania. In the last two years I went solo to Chile, Spain , the Canary Islands, Ecuador, and Rwanda. I welcomed my first grandchild in June 2025 between projects in Uganda and Sri Lanka. I am proud of my glowing reviews. I have hosted many Workaway travelers and Wwoofers and am very appreciative of the win/win of the programs and constant magic we experience in just staying present and compassionate with these connections. I consider life a journey not destination and fueled by curiosity and care not cash.... that I can enhance others' lives through my travel and my life can be transformed through theirs. I am open to another opportunity to learn, grow and to be more than do. Isn't it a challenging and exciting balance?
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Plant care
Pets
Outdoor activities
Mountain
Fitness
History
Culture
Charity work
Art & design
Farming
Writing
Cooking & food
Winter sports
Photography
Hiking
Sustainability
Gardening
Self development
Camping
DIY & crafts
Cycling
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Van life
Nature
Blogging
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
DIY and building projects
Some knowledge of:
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Gardening
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
Teaching
Being an elderly companion
Art Projects
More details about your skills
Cary has a BA in English, a nursing degree (20 years' experience) and certification in mediation, TESOL and holistic health modalities. I currently host a bustling Airbnb adventure with a groovy 60s theme on an island in Maine. I run cycling programs both road and mountain for disadvantaged kids and low income families. I am a long time student of Marshall Rosenburg's Non Violent Communication and interested in building community and learning more about Earth supporting alternative and progressive practices. I am committed to "walking my talk" as I stay open to and grateful for new experiences and ways of thinking/being in the world. I look forward to meeting you and enriching each others' lives.
Age
62
What else ...
I am excited about new adventures, open to constructive criticism and relationship building. I have no limits physically, am flexible and collaborative in nature and take care of my health in order to support my goals and those of others I cross paths with.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  fresh whole foods preferred, gluten free when possible and vegetable anything!

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7 Jun 2025

Left by host (Help with gardening and ...) for Workawayer ()

Dear Cary,

What a joy it was to host you. From the very beginning, communication between us was clear and easy. We arranged a time to go over the details of your visit, and I made sure you felt comfortable with everything. You asked thoughtful questions, and I explained everything just as it was. That mutual clarity helped set a strong foundation… read more

(Excellent )

7 Jun 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening and ...)

Wow! This experience and the care, accompaniment, inclusion, sense of adventure, ease and warmth…etc etc I experienced will carry me for some time. I tell my friends and family at home in the US “I think I am on to something” when I return from another workaway experience and host another work trader. I love the gifts of interdependence and… read more generous sharing of lives and values that I experience with WA and this experience was absolutely stellar.
Since I have been a workaway host, I know the value of both sides of the experience.
I reached out to Bhutan Kasala who was coordinating my stay from north America. I understood that I would support his family as well as teach English to some young Monks at a Buddhist school nearby. He was generous with his time and encouragement and patient with me in my process of making this big trip around responsibilities at home. He was very easy to reach and communicated thoroughly and promptly. This was a big factor in my decision to come.
When I arrived, I was greeted by his brother, a young monk , at the airport and was accompanied back to the home of his mother where I met his granddaughter who would be my guide and primary host. The home was comfortable and felt so intertwined with the wonderful elements of Sri Lankan flora and fauna around. It was easy to feel at peace and at home there. My brief but meaningful eight days there were full of smiles and hugs and impromptu trips to local temples and swimming in the pools of a waterfall, a forest hike as well as some casual teaching opportunities at the school. The monks were delightful : eager to learn and support. It was fun!
The food was phenomenal and I took every opportunity to be part of the process of preparing local fruits, vegetables and herbs and spiced that made delicious traditional cuisine. It was a perfect balance of activity and rest. My room was very comfortable with lots of windows to enjoy allowing nature in and was equipped with a fan that was sufficient in keeping the heat and humidity at bay. The family dog was an affectionate gem. I often did yoga in the front outside sitting area and there was a mat in the room.
Ruwani and Salinda were my 20 something primary guides. They were generous with their time and attention and we had fun exploring, cooking and playing a card game I taught them and just relaxing together. Ruwani spoke enough English to communicate well with me and I rarely used Google translate. Siri, the matron of the home, and I communicated more by exchanging smiles of motherly understanding. I enjoyed opportunities to support her in her garden. 😍
I hope you will consider exploring this lovely island. It is certainly an experience that you shouldn’t miss and will treat you with ongoing memories that I know I will enjoy. I’m smiling right now remembering. I can’t thank these hosts enough, but I can go on to be as wonderful a support system for my own travelers. Thank you all. My family has grown. I certainly will return and encourage others to come.

(Excellent )

24 Mar 2025

Left by host (Help welcome at our a new ...) for Workawayer ()

Despite the fact that Cary stayed with us for a short period, the kids and staff had a wonderful time with her,!

She's actually someone you wouldn't love to leave (all the kids cried the day she left)
Though she's not a teacher,she almost did what a teacher can do.
So skilled, loving, hardworking, open minded , Cary is!
I really love the energy… read more

(Excellent )

24 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help welcome at our a new ...)

I connected with Esther early in the process of choosing a workaway project in Uganda. She was gracious and supportive and yet was limited on her ability to help me get there with my 100 lbs of donations and limited budget. So I went with another project. We kept in touch and there was a nice jumping off point with my first project as my host had… read more

(Excellent )

24 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help us with projects of ...)

I chose this project over many others in Uganda because the host, Denis, was a prompt and effective communicator. I have been a host for work traders for years so know quite well the importance of this. I was greeted at the airport with enthusiasm and care and the two weeks unfolded nicely. The accommodation was comfortable esp because I purchased… read more a fan along the way. It was very hot in March and with the power going off and on it was a challenge at times to regulate the heat and sleep well. I brought 100 lbs of donations including electronics and they were received with genuine appreciation. The homestay was in a safe and gated space. I was able to go out and walk around the neighborhood and to request the chance to sleep at the school as I love an experience with as much immersion as possible. This arrangement did provide a strong division between being "on" with volunteering and having down time for those who need more of that. Denis and Rita were easy to communicate with and if I had questions or needed to clarify arrangement for meals (which was quickly addressed when I had a concern about vagueness) or other scheduling questions as things can be planned spontaneously. I love that but others may need more of a structured schedule. I know these two would certainly accommodate. They graciously planned an overnight for me at Murchison Falls National Park and we had an amazing time seeing the BIG 5. Yes! Then we moved on to presentations at two other communities which created a nice cultural immersion for me and the chance to dance with some traditional dancers and hear the stories and support others really impacted by years of civil war. I taught English to all the levels and enjoyed playing games and engaging the kids. I especially am grateful that the school nurse was sweet enough to host me in his room in order to connect more deeply with the kids that lived at the school and who I wanted relaxed, after hours time with. So....I think the takeaway is there is a lot of flexibility in this workaway opportunity and that is ideal for all. I loved the passion for supporting the most vulnerable populations and as usual came away really appreciating the huge depth of interdependence this culture enjoys. I always come away feeling really nurtured by the spontaneous joy and hoping we Americans can learn from them. Thank you Denis and Rita! I really appreciate the time and experiences you shared with me. Cary

(Excellent )

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7 Jun 2025

Left by host (Help with gardening and ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

7 Jun 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with gardening and ...)

(Excellent)

24 Mar 2025

Left by host (Help welcome at our a new ...) for Workawayer ()

(Excellent)

24 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help welcome at our a new ...)

(Excellent)

24 Mar 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help us with projects of ...)

(Excellent)

3 Dec 2024

Left by host (Join our on-profit and ...) for Workawayer ()

Thank you so much Cary,
for the time you spent with us and volunteering for the community for our school and for the village of Gashura,
Yes it is a complicated world and will all continue fighting for freedom in the world,
we would love to have you again here with us at in Gashura
❤️from the whole school

(Excellent)

26 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our on-profit and ...)

I thoroughly enjoyed this workaway, adventure and communication was stellar from initial contact until departure. The experience offered me a nice balance of support and independence as I was able to plug in to the school in ways that met my needs, but also reached various that needed additional energy. My host was very engaging and Supportive and… read more

(Excellent)

7 Jul 2024

Left by host (Help with permaculture and ...) for Workawayer ()

Thank so much to Cary for the time she spend in my place
I had a lot of fun sharing with her, we had many varied discussions and sharing on many subjects.
She is enthusiastic, positive, and efficient, giving the best of herself.
I thank her very much for her help. Despite quite hard work, she put a lot of energy and will into it and always did… read more

(Excellent)

2 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with permaculture and ...)

Odile was a lovely, honest and authentic host who communicated well from initial conversation to departure. We immediately connection hearts in our mutual longings for more interdependence and connection with those around us. I found a wonderful balance between hard work, rest, and play. I needed an "escape" and generally my trades have been in… read more

(Excellent)

19 May 2023

Left by host (Eco house near the beach of ...) for Workawayer ()

Hello Cary,
Thanks a lot for your stay at my camp. It was a very nice experience to share with you and you were a big help during this weeks. It started already nice with your big interest and questions in our video calls and went ahead like that. Your nice and relaxed vibes during the stay gave the group a good feeling. It was pretty to observe… read more

(Excellent)

10 May 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Eco house near the beach of ...)

I had an outstanding stay with Udo at his peaceful, inviting and connecting "eco project" on lovely Laguna Verde, Chile.
He video chatted with me a couple of times prior to establish a good fit. As a host on workaway, I know how important that is and I appreciated that he let people know he was looking for focused, engaged and invested help. It… read more

(Excellent)

28 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Experience the beauty of the ...)

Our time with Martha, Daniel and Ryan was very special and meaningful. We felt welcomed and at home...like family...what a wonderful experience.
They included us in daily routine, local hikes, a WEDDING..wow!, and lots of exploration of and connection with the local community. They helped us manage a SAFARI that we didn't plan to budget but it was… read more

(Excellent)

20 Mar 2021

Left by host (Experience the beauty of the ...) for Workawayer ()

Cary and Joe are wonderful couple, charming, friendly and easy going, my family and I had nice moments with them. They know a lot about life and have so many story to tell, we had many conversations.
Everyone around my village like them, They brought many gifts for kids and spent lots of time with them, young people also had Yoga practice with… read more

(Excellent)

13 Mar 2021

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Cary and Joe are very wonderful,Charming and friendly, We were able to work at Maasai Villages walking by foot for a very long distance from one house to another doing Home visits and Medical visits to Patients and Needy families. It was wonderful experience working with this Couple who are aged but strong and Energetic! Hope to meet and work with… read more

(Excellent)

13 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our NGO in helping ...)

We really enjoyed meeting Rehema, Jacob and Elijah Who were passionate administrators of the organization . They kindly picked us up about an hour away and helped transport our large bags and bicycles we had needed for an earlier project . We enjoyed learning about their projects, understanding the impact of Covid on them and the community at… read more

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Community bike workshops on ...)

We had to postpone our visit to the place in 2020 due to Covid. We were very excited to come in 2021 after weighing the risks of Travel. As bicycling mentors in the US, we were excited to be part of such a wonderful cause. Hillary and crew were very passionate about empowering young and old around the bicycle as transportation health and wellness… read more

(Excellent)

12 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer () for host (Looking for artists, ...)

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 weeks with Marina, Haji, the boys and all the staff at the place. We felt very welcome and enjoyed a variety of tasks and activities. The property is lovely and the guests were very grateful for the wonderful personal care from all. This made it so easy to be part of the team. We wish we had had more time to explore the… read more

(Excellent)

23 Feb 2021

Left by host (Looking for artists, ...) for Workawayer ()

It was a pleasure to meet Cary and Joe, very nice with all of us and funny with kids. They were helpful with our lodge's staff and independent in organising their activities here. Now our pool is crystal clear!!

(Excellent)

26 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help at our democratic ...)

Gautam and the lovely folks from the village Agar were so warm and welcoming. The bus ride itself is an experience from Jaipur and a great view of rural life in Northern India. People are so approachable and friendly and arriving at night, that was important. We had worked with kids in afterschool programs in Asia and knew it took a lot of energy… read more

(Excellent)

18 Feb 2020

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Cary and Joe were just simply awesome. It was great to host them. Both of them were so nice with the children. Their interactions with the children just reinforced that love knows no language. Within no time, they had developed a wide fan following in the village. I am sure that the children will surely miss them for a long time to come. I wish… read more

(Excellent)

26 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help proofread documents and ...)

Monty, Harshita, Ballu and Raj and team were amazing hosts. We needed a place last minute as another workaway project shifted some and Monty was very flexible and accommodating. We felt at home the entire time and the experience was a huge win/win in that we were able to help with tasks like editing and writing as well as explore so much of the… read more

(Excellent)

21 Feb 2020

Left by host (Help proofread documents and ...) for Workawayer ()

Beautiful couple, super helpful and kind. Did an amazing job with the tourism project we are running in India. Connected really well with the other volunteers, our family & friends. They had a lot of great suggestions and were very helpful with anything the place and we needed. Grateful to have met you guys and we look forward to meeting you… read more

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Teach English to ...)

Last year we spent a week with the International English School in Takeo. Sophea communicated very well with us as we coordinated plans to volunteer here at the end of our six week "volunteer vacation". We felt it was a life changing, engaging, eye and heart opening experience. We have followed the school for a year and are happy to see their… read more

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Farm near Odiaxere Portugal)

Our stay with Roger and other volunteer, Shawn was really fun, inspiring and connecting. Sheridan was away but so graciously helped us to coordinate with Roger and arrive last minute. Their "farm" is gorgeous with dozens of fruit trees, the lovely rescue horses, three dogs, two cats and three chinchillas. We really respect the "animal rights" work… read more

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Chat with our students, ...)

My husband and I loved our time in Casablanca and Fes with the Academy, Mr. Harim, the teachers and other volunteers. We felt very supported and thoroughly enjoyed the "conversations" we engaged in with the students. Mr. Harim is very generous with his time and so authentic in his desire for volunteers to experience the wealth of tradition,… read more

(Excellent)

13 Apr 2019

Left by host (Take a break from your ...) for Workawayer ()

They had to cut short due to the hot weather.
Even for Malaysian.

But i learnt a lot from them.
They are both got alot of thing to offer..even if it is merely a chat.

Wish i could visit them someday in Maine.

(Excellent)

25 Feb 2019

Left by host (Come and try out life on an ...) for Workawayer ()

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )

1 Feb 2019

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join our community wide ...)

Kui and Sumontha were great hosts. This was our first Workaway experience and we were their first workaways. We enjoyed staying with the family and when we arrived it was a "hot bed" of activism with a group there who we were able to connect with and learn about their efforts. We lived in a comfortable small cabin with bunk beds on a beautiful… read more

(Excellent)

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