Damian B.
What country are you from?
USA - Presently living in Nigeria
What drew you to the MEV and what excites you about living in this community?
We presently live in a "camp" community for my wife's work in Nigeria. In many ways it is similar to the community MEV is trying to create. We have the spouse that is the worker bee and we have the "trailing spouse'....me in this case. The camp runs on volunteers which are mainly the trailing spouses volunteering for the social committee, the children's committee, the welcome committee, the facilities committee....etc....you get the idea. People can put in as much or as little time they choose. But it is a beautiful thing to watch as people step into the gap and give of their time and energy to help make the community a better place. We want to have something like this to go to when we are no longer expats working for a company. In addition we are looking for someplace else to be than in the US for most of the year. America is going in the wrong direction and we were already very concerned about our children attending schools in the US.....now we are even more energized to move away and be apart of a community that reflects our values of kindness, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Who are you as a person? (personality, values, etc.)
I think first and foremost I identify as DAD. My two kiddos are the reason I get up everyday and work to help them become the best versions of themselves possible. I am both a foodie and a music lover.....any kind of food.....any kind of music.....as long as it is done well and creatively. I would say I start out as a bit of a introvert, but once I become more comfortable I open up....share my humor and am a bit more vulnerable. My core values are kindness, humility, and a strong work ethic. I try to always be prompt..."5 minutes early is on time" :) I try to live my passions of exploring, traveling the world, experiencing new people and new cultures....hopefully showing the world and my kids what a good person does....not just says.
Tell us about yourself and/or your family—your interests, hobbies, occupation, and passions.
Before my kids (Eleanora age 11, Oliver age 9) started taking all my time....haha.... I was a frequent music concert goer...I love going to the movies, and I love traveling. Since being in Nigeria I have taken up a lot of cooking as a hobby. I have my own sourdough starter....am on a constant quest for the best chocolate cookie recipe, love making Neapolitan pizza's, and my Instagram feed is all but taken up with reels on all types of recipes.
Before moving to Nigeria I worked in several different fields. I was in administration at the Bank of American IBK Energy office, I was a archivist at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, an Information consultant, and a chemical laboratory technician.
I love being active. Kate and I met each other when we were both involved in races. Myself it was marathons....I've run about 8, and for Kate it was sprint triathlons. An injury has kept me from returning to running but I still spend time every week in the gym weight training and playing tennis. We are a skiing family.....we try to go twice a year. The kids love it and it is our favorite family vacation.
What will be your role in the community? (e.g., sustainability projects, community gatherings, permaculture, holistic wellness, creative workshops, education, etc.)
This is still TBD. I think I will be involved in community gatherings as a extra pair of hands...I would like to also be involved in my kids education providing support and reinforcement where I can. And if Iancu is to be believed....I would love to be apart of any vineyard that the MEV develops. I love wine, but am totally uneducated on the cultivation and harvesting of the grapes....but I would be a happy solider to make this happen and help it grow into something special.
What does your dream community look like? Dream day in the MEV?
A active community that meets together often, is constantly evolving into better and better versions of itself. Is fluid in volunteer department for its various projects....lots of cross pollination of experiences, ideas and people. Uses both food and exercise to increase social activity and mental wellness.
Any links you'd like to share of yourself? socials, website, etc. (optional)
none