"World Traveler"

Three years ago I never would have thought people would call me a "world traveler." I served a mission for two years in Ecuador (2009-2011) but how many other thousands of missionaries have lived abroad for that long and then never travel abroad again or even return to the place they served? I loved living in Ecuador and attribute my interest in world travel to that experience. I loved breaking down cultural barriers by learning the native language (Spanish) and developing deep connections with the people.

Ecuador Friends - Orellana Family

For me, the true "world traveling" started when I went on a study abroad last summer to Asia where I studied business practices in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. That was an eye-opening experience and one I honestly never thought I'd have. I remember pushing 'send' on my computer as I made the first $1000+ payment for that trip. I was terrified! Now I have a month full of amazing memories, a wealth of knowledge, and a handful of lifelong friends as a result of that investment.

With Kelsey on the Great Wall of China

After last summer's amazing experience I immediately looked for opportunities to combine my love for service, travel, and mentoring youth and I found it with an organization called H.E.F.Y. (Humanitarian Experience For Youth). This non-profit organization sends groups of LDS youth to developing countries to grow spiritually as they  provide meaningful service.  I had the privilege of serving as a trip leader for H.E.F.Y this past summer in Cuenca, Ecuador and Asuncion, Paraguay. It was amazing to return to Ecuador, to a city I served in during my two-year mission. I also loved getting acquainted with the culture in Paraguay. More than anything I loved working with youth and developing close relationships with them as we worked side by side to help people in need.

On the H.E.F.Y. Paraguay work site with Ali

This fall I'll be fulfilling one of my biggest BYU dreams by studying at the BYU Jerusalem Center. I've wanted to study there since I learned about the program six years ago and I can't believe I'm finally going!!! I applied last April and continued with my preparations to go all summer though I was seriously weighing several other options. I wanted to make sure that going to Jerusalem was truly the best choice for me. I'm grateful that during my trip to Paraguay I had several experiences and conversations that helped me to see that Jerusalem was where I should be this semester. When I looked through the detailed itinerary for the entire semester I got so EXCITED! We travel to Turkey in just a few weeks followed by trips to Jordan and Galilee. WHAT?! Get me to Galilee! WOOO HOO!

I'm not sure what constitutes a "world traveler" but every time I come back from traveling abroad that's often the title I'm greeted with. Let me make clear that I don't travel to earn the "world traveler" title, nor to impress my Instagram followers - though, if you're not following me on Instagram yet, my handle is @trevorpj... I do it because after experiencing the personal growth and social connection I did in Ecuador, I have wanted to continue to grow and connect in that way.  I want to see and understand the world and, in turn, myself in the world. 

I'm excited to share my thoughts and experiences on this blog, not only during this upcoming semester but hopefully into the distant future. I decided to start this blog because I had been writing and sending pictures to a few close friends all summer about the lessons I was learning and the experiences I was having. It was a way for me to continue to connect with them even though I was far away. I hope that this blog will serve as a platform for that connection going forward. 

Next time I post I'LL BE IN JERUSALEM! As you read my blog I hope you'll get to see a glimpse of my life from where I stand.