If you’re new here, welcome, and if you’re returning for year 2, welcome back.

I’m Lauren. I’m 23 and I get to live abroad in some pretty unique places. I am living in Tbilisi, Georgia, for a year to teach college English at International Black Sea University and do my own research project collecting recipes and stories from people I meet around the country. This opportunity came unexpectedly for me, but like I said on my last blog, the biggest blessings of my life usually come out of the blue.

In Georgia, I’m most looking forward to 1) getting to know the people, who are know for their hospitality; 2) the food and wine, which are also legendary; 3) living in a city with a metro; 4) making a new routine in a new place; 5) the regional travel opportunities. Georgian culture is so rich, and I’m excited to share all I experience with you. There will be other seasons of my life when the year-to-year grind is predictable, so I’m choosing to really lean in to how much change currently defines my life.

Lauren in fast facts:

Favorite way to keep up with family/friends: phone calls and sending Tiktoks back and forth

Preferred drink: Turkish coffee or cappuccino

Most dreaded part of moving: trying to pack efficiently under the weight limit

Typical self-care practices: journaling, mobility stretching, lighting candles from Alabama (shoutout Tyler candles), MBD podcast

My day isn’t complete without: going for a walk outside, listening to music, texting my mom