Standing in front of a long fence and guard tower.
18 May 2013:
I’m sitting next to the crematorium. The smoke stack is above me nearly blocking the sun. I’m sitting behind the building so there are no people around. A small Jewish memorial is on my right, coated in Hebrew: sacred verses from the Torah. The sun is pleasant, the area lush and green, the brick building in front of me clashes with the peaceful surroundings.
Sitting alone behind the crematorium.
I can’t help but try to imagine myself here. Would I have given up at the start, knowing survival was futile? Or would I have found some reason (any reason) to keep fighting? Would I have survived the aftermath of re-entering society amidst feelings of survivors’ guilt? Would I have felt anger at the world for moving on like before?
Such a peaceful place, except for the barbed wire…
As I walk through the crematoriums, looking at the ashes still in the furnaces, I feel distant-that there is no way I could even come close to imagining what it was like. But when I entered the “showers” – where prisoners were gassed – with the low ceilings, the windowless walls, and gas vents lining the ceiling, walls, and floor, I felt claustrophobic. For some reason, this was more imaginable: normal people standing in the dark waiting for water that would never come.
At the Jewish Memorial
How could this happen? How does it still happen today in Darfur, Burma, Syria? Today I feel no anger at the German people because they are just like me. I simply remind myself that this could happen to any nation. And it has happened in one way or another, in one time period or another, in every nation on this earth. It happens when history is not studied, applied, avoided and I pray for the days when this all ends!
International Monument
Standing in the center of the courtyard where role call was held, I noticed flowers on the Barrack #21 stone marker. Who knew enough to know specifically Barrack #21? A descendant, a family member, a friend, a survivor? I watch the visitors around me: some young families with hyper children, students with their cameras and backpacks, elderly couples bent over with age and holding hands; each experiencing, learning, mourning, remembering in their own way.
The flowers at Barrack #21
Today I saw the train tracks, the barbed fences, the entrance gate with “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Labor Makes You Free). I saw the guard towers, the SS offices, the “medical” facilities. I walked through the sleeping barracks with beds stacked and lined close together. I saw the Jewish memorial, the International Monument, and walked the camp road. I’ve tried (and failed) to imagine myself here: with no family, possessions, rights, dignity…hope. All I can do is pray I will not forget, promise I will fight tyranny, and live a life of meaning.”
“Labor Makes You Free”
I video-taped walking through the crematorium and gas chamber for you:
I live in Munich, Germany or the Garden of Eden (as it will henceforth be known). Moving to Germany was one of my earliest recorded dreams…and now I’m actually here!
Passing by fields on the train.
[May 16] Yesterday I escaped the city limits and traveled by train to the outskirts of Munich (Herrsching in Upper Bavaria). Green fields as far as the eye can see, old churches on the skyline, lush trees bordering the crystal lakes, and quaint villages along the tracks.And t
here I was, an Arizona girl who knows every shade of brown, grinning away with my face pressed up against the train glass. For over an hour and a half, I was giddy with excitement. The trees rushing past my window, the smell of green surrounding me, and sucking on some German white chocolate, I was on cloud 9.
Already a huge fan of the German train system. Impeccably clean and timely.
I’m shaking my head as I write this. I am so blessed to be here in Germany at this time! The family that I’m staying with is absolutely incredible. I au pair their two adorable boys (ages 2 1/2 and 9 months) part time and they are so good to eagerly promote my work with The Deaf Dream and give me lots of time off to work. This arrangement was obviously guided as we both found each other through a series of miracles. It’s amazing how much the Lord helps our goals!
Herrsching
[May 17] Went on a 15 mile bike ride last night. The plan was to go 6, but then I got caught up in the beauty, missed a sign, and ended up getting a very extensive tour of Munich. And it’s definitely the route I’ll take next time: I travel through fields and organic farms, pass the horse track, make my way through an adorable village/suburb, and cross through lush parks. I was in heaven!
I was up early this morning, so excited for the day and unable to sleep past 3:30. Haha, I think my body is having trouble adjusting to all the time changes as I crossed the Atlantic Ocean the last week and a half.
Picture I took from top deck.
I went to the top deck and watched the sunrise all by myself. It was absolutely breathtaking. Three white lighthouses were stationed around the dock. The white cliffs of Dover were pink, orange, and red as they reflected the sunrise. Dover Castle, the largest castle in England, sat majestically on top of the cliffs and I was giddy with the thought of all the history these cliffs have seen. My time in England could not have started better.
Again, my picture of that special morning from the top deck.
After breakfast and disembarking the ship I ran around Dover, along the old docks and town buildings, past a quaint church, and an English pub. I booked it back to the dock after about 3 hours on shore to meet up with Victoria, my friend from Australia.
A quaint church in Dover. I was visiting the pub across the street.
Our first day on the ship, Victoria invited me to travel Dover with herself and her brother and sister-in-law. Thankfully I was able to have a legit English experience rather than cramming several sites into a bus visit of London.
We left Dover and arrived at the Battle of Britain historical monument. It hit me that after studying World War 2 extensively, I was actually here; standing on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel, seeing France’s coastline in the distance, standing by the memorial of many 18 and 19 year old boys who flew and died for their country, and reading the stats of 30-40 British planes against 200+ German planes. It was sobering, yet inspiring experience, and I was in awe as I quietly walked around the memorial, taking it all in.
We had the first coffee/tea/hot cocoa stop of our day…being in England, there were MANY. [Obviously I was the hot cocoa, Victoria was so kind to tell her family ahead of time about my Mormon beliefs ] We then drove through the lush countryside. I was smiling non-stop, it was just like I imagined! We passed homes that are straight from the 1700 and 1800s in the quaint villages, past sheep farms and large estates, and through moss covered trees.
We then went to Canterbury which was extremely touristy, though dripping with history. The city walls built by the Romans in 1 century AD, the huge Cantebury Cathedral, and the old houses and shops fascinated me. I bought candy at a legit shop too, including an English sweet called an “Ice Brick”. Victoria’s friends, Elaine and Paul, also took us to a small cafe where we had sandwiches with real European bread.
Romans built these walls in 1 century AD. I touched them.
After Canterbury we drove around the countryside some more on the way to their home in one of the villages. We stopped at a small quaint chapel built in the 1100s that was located a few minutes from the home near Lyme. This was one of my favorite memories from the trip because there were no tourists as this was a quiet, local spot, and the church had only one elderly church patron there. We entered and I immediately touched the stones, wanting to feel the hundreds and hundreds of years of history. I imagined those early saints praying for safety as the Romans left to re-claim Rome, praying for safety from the Viking and Norman invaders. It was an incredible feeling to stand in that tiny chapel and think about the years of history those walls had seen: reformations, invasions, and destruction.
I walked around the small cemetery outside and noticed that the church seemed to be built in a low ditch as compared to the burial grounds. I was informed that the ground was high because of the innumerable bodies buried there throughout the centuries. I must admit, I got a little squeamish thinking about it and was soon after done walking around this very fertilized soil. However, seeing this small church was more special than Canterbury for me because it was proof of the everyday devotion of church goers rather than the splendor of a church’s wealth (as beautiful as that may be as well). It was the perfect ending to our day.
As our ship pulled out of the harbor, Ronnie and I sat on her balcony and watched the seagulls follow us, the castle recede, and the white cliffs of Dover disappear. It was the most wonderful use of my time and I am excited for the time when I can return to England and see more of its history!
[30 APRIL] I just had the most wonderful day! As we pulled into port this morning, I was amazed to see the hills full of lush, green fields as far as the eye could see! While there are indeed towns, with quaint orange roofs and majestic stone churches, there is a lot of agriculture which surprise. There was also a small European town feel that I did not expect whatsoever.
I decided to spend my day wandering the streets and visiting the little shops lining the historic district. Ponto Delgada is quite an old town, so the streets had the old European feel that I have longed to see my whole life. Even though it is an island in the middle of the Atlantic, it has been populated by Portuguese for quite some time. There were times when I could almost imagine myself back in my church mission in Hungary. I’m sure I walked around that island from dawn to dusk with a contented smile on my face and a spring in my step. I am traveling again! It felt so familiar and wonderful, so second nature in a way, that it was hard to remember the reasons why I haven’t traveled extensively in the last year
I spent my time meeting people around the area. The shopkeepers were especially kind and many of them took part in my filming. I would step in their shoppes, absolutely brimming with merchandise, and make my way over to the counters, often covered in supplies as well. They were always so kind to teach me a phrase in Portuguese or two. I found several books in Portuguese Sign Language too, which I’m excited to incorporate into the films I’m making. One even gave me an old coin that has not been in use since the Euro arrived in the Azores somewhere over a decade ago. What a wonderful day!
It’s good to be back to doing what I love: traveling the world, meeting people, and learning more about life. Bring on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
[May 3] My experience on a $450 16 day cruise has been incredible! I must admit, nearly the entire first week I was quite anxious to get something done and felt a little “stuck” on board a ship where the demographic is about a half a century older than me. I struggled with the luxurious lifestyle onboard and watching money that could make a difference be used for expensive restaurants and gambling. (I still kind of struggle with that ) But, I also realized that I have not had a “sit around” vacation in about a year and after some patience and time, I have finally been able to relax and thoroughly enjoy myself! All that said, it has been a great learning experience and certainly a wonderful way to see the world!
View of the White Cliffs from the top deck.
Although the cruise life is quite different than my Semester at Sea experience, one thing is constant: the sea. My goodness, it’s good to be back on the ocean! As an Arizona girl who has lived in Utah the last year, I was desperate to get back to the “big blue” and I’m so grateful I chose a sea route! Watching the sunrise over the flat horizon in the mornings reminds me of my time on 5th deck on the MS Explorer. I love seeing every color blue imaginable as we have made our way from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, and now up the English Channel. I have also been fascinated by flying fish, been mesmerized by the ship’s wake, and enjoyed watching the clouds create dark spots on the sea once again. It’s good to be back!
Yesterday morning as I watched the sun rise with seagulls in the sky and 8-10 ships lining the horizon, it hit me. I’m going up the ENGLISH CHANNEL! This historic water is where the pilgrims sailed the other direction to colonize America. This is where magnificent and terrible battles have been fought between England and the mainland. This is where Romans crossed to conquer. This is where swimmers have fought to cross to the other shore. As a history buff, I am giddy in excited anticipation of what I will see today!
Today I arrive in Dover and will tour with my wonderful Aussie friend, Veronica. We have been pals since day one when we realized we were both traveling alone on board the Norwegian Star. I am especially keen on seeing a castle, though I’m sure my experience will be a pleasant one with Veronica and her family here in England. I will let you know how it goes!
Well, I’m off! After a year of little traveling and setting up The Deaf Dream, I’m back to hopping around the globe to meet potential Deaf Dreamers and have the experience of a lifetime!
I only have a few minutes to write while I’m in port, but I’d like to at least get a temporary itinerary set up. I’ll write details later!
NEW ORLEANS April 20
MIAMI April 23
AZORES April 30
ENGLAND (Dover) May 4
SWEDEN (Helsing.) May 6
DENMARK (Copen.) May 7
?LATVIA (Riga) May 8
GERMANY (Munich) May 8-June 7
I’ll write as I find internet! This is going to be an interesting trip filled with unique travel experiences and experiments Feeling the mixed nervous/excited nerves as we sail out of Miami port tonight.
When someone learns I traveled the world and will travel the world more this year, the typical response is “Aw, lucky!” and then add a blast of reasons why they CAN’T travel the world:
I don’t have the money.
I don’t have the time.
I don’t have the money.
I have a family.
I don’t have the money.
(And my least favorite:) I’m Deaf. I can’t teach English abroad.
First, here’s the deal: I’m not lucky, it takes a whole heck of a lot of work to make travel dreams come true.
Second: There are always reasons not to travel the world. ALWAYS. My secret? Ignore them.
Third, confession time: I’m poor; I barely get-by most months when I’m in the states.
Fourth, WHAT!?! There are a billion things to do around the world that do not involve teaching English abroad. Being Deaf is not a good excuse, sorry. Moving on.
If you REALLY want to travel, you’ll find a way! So, I need you to put all those excuses to the side while you read this article–they’ll try to creep in but ignore them for a few minutes. Deal?
Deal.
Ever since I was young, I was always on the lookout for ways to travel cheaply. After years of practice (yes, practice!) and tenacity, I finally feel like I can write an article to help others reach their traveling dreams.
DEAF FRIENDLY WAYS TO TRAVEL FOR FREE
1. ORGANIC FARMS
Sound crazy? Honestly it’s quite a deal! If you REALLY want to travel, you’re willing to do anything right!?! So work a few days a week on an organic farm in exchange for food and housing. There are even opportunities to care for gardens in monasteries, shear sheep, harvest orchards and environmental and wildlife conservation projects!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! Everyone, hearing and Deaf will be gesturing to communicate because of the language barriers! Guarantee you’ll probably be able to communicate better than someone who has only played hearing Gestures games
2. NANNY
Enjoy caring for children? Travel the world by being a nanny for families. Become an older sibling for a summer or year. It’s free housing and free food. Even better? You get paid!
Make profiles and search for families on the following sites:
Also post to Deaf Network, AllDeaf and other forums to get your name out there!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! You can be a role-model for Deaf children in hearing homes or become an older sister in a Deaf family.
3. HOUSE SIT
A lot of folks want their homes, gardens or animals cared for as they travel for long periods of time. It’s a great way to live for months or even a year at a time in a new country with little cares. It does take some work to get a house lined up (and some sites require a yearly fee), but it’s well-worth the wait, I’ve heard. Also, consider switching homes. They come to your home for a few months while you travel to theirs!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! House-sitting is house-sitting. No hearing required.
4. COUCH-SURFING
Crash at someone’s house for a night or two and meet incredible people along the way! Just post your desire and you’ll find many people wanting to house you or come to your home when they get to your country. It’s a wonderful way to meet people!
If you want to get inspired watch this video of Jenny who traveled Europe by couch surfing and meeting Deaf in her travels.
Tip: Also consider staying in hostels rather than hotels which are usually much cheaper. Search the message boards at HostelWorld to see if you can work at the hostels for FREE room and board!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! I have met Deaf around the world simply by walking down the street or searching online. I even met 4 couch surfers from England while I was in India who had traveled through Nepal! Talk about random awesomeness!
5. WORK ONLINE
Apply for online writing jobs, such as Writers Domain. Or sponsor a product online while you travel. Write a blog with google advertisements. Take a gnome with you, make a funny video and submit it to Travelocity’s Gnome Competition. There are a variety of options that take some work to get started but can enable long term traveling around the globe. I personally read the book Click Millionaires to get me started. Get creative, look outside the box!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! Traveling and meeting Deaf is very unique, especially for competitions or blogs. Just stand out from the other millions of blogs in the world and you’ll find your niche!
6. WORK ON A BOAT
Love the ocean? Want to span far distances? Work on a yacht or a cruise as a Deaf tourguide, cook, sailor or maid.
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! There are a variety of jobs on boats, choose the one that fits you best! Plus some cruises host Deaf groups…perfect time for your hospitality skills!
7. GO WITH A PROGRAM
There are SO many programs you can travel with, I don’t know where to begin. The main thing is to find a program then contact them directly. You never know what connection you find that could open up doors for you down the road. Remember, include that you’re willing to work before, during or after to help with the cost.
Deaf and hearing Peace Corps volunteers in Bulgaria, Guyana, Jamaica and Kenya use sign language to conduct classes in science, social studies, creative arts and life skills to deaf and hard of hearing students. You get paid, your travel expenses are covered, and you live in a country for two years. Awesome, right?! Take a look at the video below to get inspired!
If you’re into intense adventures, you can do it for charity through the following groups: (Not sure of the morals of it, but it seems to work for some people )
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! There are so many travel groups and programs where you can travel with other Deaf. Just open up Google and start searching!
8. STUDENT PROGRAMS
If you’re a high school or college student, you have the best of both worlds! While you may be under the impression that study abroad programs are for rich kids, the fact is there are many programs that are cheaper than your semester tuition! Plus you can choose a program that moves forward your educational goals at the same time! I’ll just throw out some ideas.
Study Abroad
Don’t be afraid to ask professors about study abroad options. They might be looking for research assistants to come along or be willing to sponsor part of your trip! (Key: Ask early in the year, not last minute.)
You’ll be amazed how many options are available, especially for funding! There are travel grants, scholarships, and loan options available only to students! Some schools allow you to use your student grants or loans towards study abroad options (if they don’t, APPEAL! It worked for me on Semester at Sea–my home university agreed and I received extensive funding as a result!)
The key is to just ASK! So many students think there are no options or it’s too expensive. The truth is studying abroad can be one of the cheapest ways to travel around the world. Plus you get to learn from your professors, travel with students your age, gain life-long friends and participate in several programs throughout a semester!
Teach ASL
Contact universities with strong Deaf programs and offer to teach ASL. While it’s still a new thing, there are some universities wanting their Deaf students to be bi-lingual or tri-lingual. It would be a tough (and possibly long process), but why not try!?!
Go on Service Trips
Yes, I’m suggestion service again. The thing is students are able to receive funding from other sources and donations relatively easily because…well…everyone knows they are poor students! Contact the Lions Club International, and the Rotary Foundation, for travel and service grants. There are many options for high school students as well!
Compete!
There are so many writing, photography, and travel competitions for high school and college students. Take advantage of it and make your travel dreams happen during your schooling career!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! There are many student study abroad programs through CSUN, Gallaudet, and your home universities. Again, just talk to your professors!
9. CHEAP TRANSPORTATION
Ok, I know this is breaking the whole “FREE” rule of this article. HOWEVER, there are so many ways to travel that are cheaper than hopping on a non-stop Delta flight to Budapest, Hungary. As convenient as it is, open your eyes to some other options.
My personal favorite: TAKE A CRUISE.
If you’re traveling in the off seasons (specifically March or October) you can find crazy cheap cruises. Take a look at this cruise for instance: $449 for a 13 night cruise from Florida to Bahamas to Puerto Rico to St. Maarten to England!
Another favorite: ARRANGE YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
Sure, plugging in your locations into Kayak or Travelocity may be the most convenient, but they are most likely not the cheapest options.
First, just as review. Use the flexible dates option or the +/- 1 to 3 days option. Look for travel dates over a month’s time and I can almost guarantee that you’ll cut 25% or more off your flight cost.
Second, arrange your own flights. For example, this summer I am nannying for a family in Munich, Germany (they are absolutely wonderful by the way!). I am taking a cheap cruise from New Orleans to Denmark to get to Europe but I may want to fly home in August. A flight from Munich to Phoenix, Arizona on Travelocity, costs over $1,000 (even when using the calendar option and 1-3 day options).
I found that it would take me from Munich to Iceland to New York to Phoenix. I searched each of these routes separately (still on Travelocity) and found that if I buy each ticket separately and fly from Dusseldorf (Germany) to Iceland to Boston, then my total is $690. Over $300 in savings! Sweet, huh!?! It took me a couple of hours but the more I practice (yes, practice) the easier it gets to spot where Travelocity is making a hefty profit.
USE REGIONAL AIRLINES
Small airlines can give you awesome deals if you keep your eyes open. When I fly in the states I use Allegiant Airlines when I can. It’s 2/3rds the cost of a regular flight (even with their extensive taxes, bag fees, and seat fees) and it even flies from my home city! Try to find small airlines that go from your local airport rather than the international, well-known airports.
If you’re in Europe, try the following airlines: RyanAir, easyJet, and Monarch. Don’t be satisfied with the major airlines unless you’re convinced it’s a good deal.
Also good to note, several airlines like Southwest, do not come up in Travelocity or Kayak searches. You can only find flights with them through their home page.
GET CREATIVE
Don’t rely only on airplanes, look into train options, cheap bus tickets, bicycles, sailboats, or submarines!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! They’re cheap. Can’t get more friendly than that.
10. JUST COOL
While writing this article I found a couple of really cool, random sites that may be just what you’re looking for to travel the world for free or cheaply!
DEAF FRIENDLY? YES! Look at all the web addresses, they’re all Deaf affiliated.
I do need to make something clear.
These are a variety of ideas that can help you out in your planning. But it does come down to your hard work and determination. Do I get every job or position I apply for? No!!! BUT I don’t give up…I keep searching until I find something just right for me! I emphasize practice because it really does take a whole lot of work to make dreams happen—but that’s what makes them fun and SO worth it! I pity the people who’s parents paid for their travels…they miss out on the challenge and the exhilaration of making a dream come true!
GOOD LUCK MY FRIENDS!
Oh, and remember you can combine these to make the perfect vacation. Work on a yacht to a random country, then work a nanny job, then work at a monastery for a week or two before your next Au Pair job in another country, then fly home via a cheap airline. That’s my rough plan for the summer, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Have any specific questions or personal experiences that worked? Feel free to comment below!!!
Disclaimer: The author is not guaranteeing any positions or implying that the options above are perfectly safe. Traveling the world has inherent risks.
Whether you’re a signer, a lipreader, a hearing aid wearer or a cochlear implant user (or maybe a bit of each of those), there are some things that truly only happen to a deaf person. Things that simply don’t happen to everyone else. How many have happened to you?
When you tell people you are deaf, they ask if you understand Braille.
25 years ago, Gallaudet students marched on Washington in what would become the largest pro-Deaf rights movement in the history of the world.
However, some of you may say, “What’s the big deal? A few students in one school decide they want a Deaf president, sounds more like a petty student rebellion than world-changing movement.” And you’d be right.
When the first student-lead rally occurred on March 1st, 1988, it was simply that: a bunch of students and some teachers meeting together to promote the idea of a Deaf president at Gallaudet. No one had any idea this would become the most infamous event in global Deaf history.
Let me back up a little and give you the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement in a nutshell. Of the three candidates in the running to become Gallaudet’s president, two were Deaf, both had doctorate degrees, both worked at Deaf schools. The Deaf community was sure they would finally have a Deaf president at their Deaf university. However, on March 6th, the Board of Trustees announced they had selected the sole hearing candidate who did not even know sign language!
Needless to say this did not go over well and the rest is history. What started as a student movement became the Deaf community’s movement and then the world’s movement as the news spread like wildfire. People who had little (if any) contact with the Deaf world recognized the unfairness of it all and sent financial and moral support from nearly every nation across the globe.
So…
Was DPN a petty student rebellion? Yes.
Was DPN a world-changing movement? Yes.
Do I still get the shivers and tear-up when I write about this event? Most certainly YES.
Join The Deaf Dream and fight for global Deaf rights today!
My New Year resolutions for this year are completely different from any year before. While I have always tried to be a good member of society, be involved in service groups, and even serve an LDS humanitarian mission, I have never truly realized the potential of an individual (such as myself) to make a difference.
Friends, here’s the deal: we can either endure life waiting for the next life when everything will be “made right” OR we can start changing this world now. I’m not talking about donating thousands of dollars, building a school on some remote island, or even starting an organization. I’m talking about the everyday things you and I can do to benefit the world around us.
I learned this year that it is the small things we do that make the greater difference in the long run. Signing a petition, joining an organization, participating in a walk-a-thon, giving your pocket change to a man on the street, participating in an Eagle Scout project. Each are seemingly so small, seemingly so insignificant, yet they mean the world to the people you are helping and empowering.
Before this year I thought it was silly to donate $2 to an organization online or sign a petition that already had 300 names on it or read a pamphlet on HIV/AIDs if I couldn’t donate, volunteer, or understand the issue. I was so embarrassed to give pennies or a few minutes of time that I missed out on making a big difference. How I wish I could turn back the clocks and get involved in EVERY good cause!
So how are my resolutions different than before, you ask? Rather than listing only enormous goals (often quite unachievable goals), I am listing out little things I can do to make a big difference. I am going to continue signing every good petition that comes into my hands or onto my email account. I am going to donate $3/week to our selected Deaf Dreamers. I am going to serve daily. I am going to speak at more high schools and inspire them to dream big. I am going to cheer for any and all dreamers world-wide. I am going to make a difference in others’ lives.
How are you going to make a difference this year?
So, yes, this year was made up of impossibilities. Miracles more like it. I am not the same Destiny that was packing ponchos, foreign cash, and a swim suit for a trip around the world on this day last year. My goal is to not only look for ways to make my dreams come true, but search for ways to support others’ dreams.
And it’s definitely the route I’ll take next time: I travel through fields and organic farms, pass the horse track, make my way through an adorable village/suburb, and cross through lush parks. I was in heaven!
[Obviously I was the hot cocoa, Victoria was so kind to tell her family ahead of time about my Mormon beliefs 
Apply for online writing jobs, such as 
