David & Marian

Travel information

We are currently

Description

We are a very active middle-aged Canadian couple, semi-retired, committed to seeing as much of the world as possible through local living and, where possible, contribution. We have been active volunteers much of our lives, most especially with Habitat for Humanity, building affordable housing domestically and as far afield as Haiti. We learned of Workaway while volunteering with World Central Kitchens in Puerto Rico during the earthquakes of January 2020. That led to our first Workaway experience, teaching English at a language school in Galapagos Islands - an amazing opportunity cut short by the Covid epidemic. Almost three years on, we return to our chosen life as international volunteers this fall, with the hope of finding opportunities to contribute in Europe through the (Canadian) winter months of 2022-23, and to continue making family and friends along the way. Re COVID: we are both quadruple-vacinated.

Interests

Art & design

Plant care

Photography

Music

Carpentry

Writing

Technology

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Sailing / Boating

Languages

Hiking

Gardening

Farming

Cooking & food

DIY & crafts

Charity work

Cycling

Culture

Blogging

Books

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
We are both certified instructors of English as a second language, TESOL/TESL/TEFL certified (Oxford Seminars, 2009).

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Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn

We're interested in:  

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Eco Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Charity Work

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

We recently put together this skills summary Habitat for Humanity International. As volunteers, we think our strength is that we roll up our sleeves and get done what needs doing! To the summary below, we'd add we're both TESOL/TESL/TEFL certified (Oxford Seminars, 2009).
Marian
• Master’s degree in distance education, former community college instructor, corporate trainer, and courseware developer
• Senior-level software designer and veteran of campaign-related data management
• Senior-level business analyst
• Published writer and experienced communicator
• Seasoned Habitat house leader (construction) and volunteer (builds and ReStores)
David
• MBA in strategic management
• Senior project manager (has managed concurrent multi-million-dollar, multi-national strategic projects; former IT project manager)
• Professional writer and communications strategist
• Jack-of-all-trades in residential construction (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.) and experienced Habitat house leader
• Seasoned Habitat affiliate leader (has led five Canadian HFH affiliates) and house leader

Age

66 & 69

What else ...

We are parents of two (adult) boys who have grown up to be fine and kindhearted men, and have made us better, more caring people for having raised them. We're lifelong avid readers and learners. A musician since the age of six (trumpet is his primary instrument) , David wishes he'd learn faster. Marian wishes he'd learn more quietly!

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements