Lou

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I'm a bit older than most workawayers. I’m mature, responsible, easygoing and someone you can rely on. I’m really good at figuring out what needs to be done and getting the project finished.

I thrive on positive energy, sharing with others and not taking myself too seriously.

I believe in living simply, enjoying nature, showing gratitude, and making a difference in the world where I can.

I’m spending a year or three in Costa Rica, following my curiosity to explore new places and volunteer gigs.

My dream has always been to buy my own finca and move to CR permanently . Every new friend I make here brings me one step closer.

I have a lifetime of skills in building, repair, landscaping, cleaning, and working with guests. I’ve owned businesses that did house remodeling/flipping, rental property management, computer consulting, and photography.

I used to be very professional and serious, but I'm learning to chill. It takes practice!

I’ve been a full-time volunteer for the last 6 years working on organic farms, non-profit construction sites, animal shelters, food banks and arts organizations. Every experience broadens my horizons.


In 2019, after a long career in Virginia of flipping houses (renovating with my own hands and selling), I sold everything and moved to Hawaii to start my volunteer “career.”

In Hawaii, I worked at an eco-friendly building project, cleaned airbnbs, and worked on a small agroforestry farm where we grew coffee, chocolate, macadamia nuts and a hundred other fruits and vegetables.

In 2021, I moved to San Diego (where my brother lives) to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, a worldwide organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families.

At Habitat, I repair homes for disabled veterans and run a busy woodworking shop that makes fundraising projects (playhouses—see photos).

I was named Habitat's Volunteer of the Year in 2022 from among hundreds of other volunteers (see photos), so I must be at least somewhat useful.

I'm good at fixing, cleaning, building and problem solving. I also love using recycled materials for construction, artsy furniture and artwork.

I don’t drink, smoke, party or do drugs. I’m in excellent physical shape and love exercise, biking and yoga.

Also I make excellent homemade pizza.

Am I a good fit for you?

Interests

History

Fitness

Nature

Sustainability

Pets

Animals

Carpentry

Charity work

Beach

Architecture

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
Since the beginning of of Covid, I've been learning Spanish online everyday. It's about time I start practicing it in the real world. I could probably be a good English teacher, too, as my English is top notch!

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

Hospitality/Tourism

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Able to teach about:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Animal Care

More details about your skills

One of the advantages of being older is I have a lot of experience and skills to share.

I’m a jack-of-all-trades handyman with experience in a wide variety of repairs: construction, carpentry, using reclaimed materials, making furniture, design/engineering, painting, electrical work and construction management.

I’ve done a lot of farm work, landscaping, fruit/vegetable gardening, customer service, animal care, and lots of plain old cleaning.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that what I'm really good at is organization, planning and making things work smoothly. That's how I've owned and run successful businesses (photography, computer consulting, real estate rental management, and contracting).

Age

57

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
  No.