Meet Annie from Argentina

She was 13 yrs. old when she moved to the United States. Her grandfather was born in Germany as was her father. When her father was a baby, her grandfather moved the family to Russia. Shortly after that, they immigrated to Argentina; where they settled for many years. They bought a farm and established a beautiful life as farmers. Growing up on a farm helped Annie foster a love with the native surroundings and she fell in love with the outdoors. When she was 13, her grandfather sold the farm and slowly the family began to immigrate to the United States. They settled in New Jersey. Years later, one by one, family members began leaving, returning back home, resettling in Argentina. She says that today her mother, brother, and herself are the last of her lineage to remain here in the United States. She went on to say that her move, to the United States as a teenage girl, was one of the hardest things that she has ever gone through. It was difficult to leave all of her friends behind and the landscape of New Jersey is not the landscape of Argentina. She struggled with English and the language barrier often resulted in bullying during her youth. There were times that Annie would come home from school and lock herself in the attic. She would spend hours crying and praying to return to Argentina. As an adult, she speaks English perfectly. Along the way, she learned that isolation is not healthy. She found her self heading home to visit Argentina regularly. Later on, she discovered hiking groups, here in the United States, and was able make long, lasting friendships. She even hosts and leads outdoor excursions. Hiking is her solace. The Earth is her church, and in nature, is where she has found her deepest and most meaningful healing. In 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She once again found herself isolating to heal. She could not travel and she stopped hiking. She is currently cancer free and this year for the holidays, she has gifted her and her mother, the gift of outdoor adventure and travel. She visited the cave today and next week, she is going to Washington D.C., and following that, she is off to the Baltimore Aquarium. Her goal in 2025 is to make it home to Argentina after many years away. She cannot wait to see her family and friends. The one thing she wants to tell the world is, “Make sure that you are appreciating every single moment of your life. Even if it’s not where you want to be, it might be where you need to be. You are exactly where you are meant to be on your journey.” Thank you so much for visiting Happiest of holidays to you and your family, Annie! May 2025 be filled with beautiful adventures and many new friendships.