My guest today is Amanda Walters.

Mandy is a world traveler, a Florida Gator, storyteller, and Human Resources professional.  Mandy grew up in the southern United States.  Her father was a Southern Baptist minister turned hospice chaplain and her mother a special education teacher.

Mandy is a graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and has worked in HR for various organizations.  During what she describes as her “quarter life crisis” she moved from the US to New Delhi, India, as a trailing spouse (her first time leaving the US!).  Living in a different country was life-changing for her.  She returned to the US but realized she wanted to live abroad again.  

In 2012, Mandy joined the US Department of State’s Foreign Service as an HR Officer.  She learned Russian and took her first assignment in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.  Later, she learned Portuguese and lived and worked in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she met the love of her life.  Together they moved to Yangon, Myanmar (aka Rangoon, Burma), and are now in Frankfurt, Germany, and about to move back to the US.

Mandy and I met through my work as a trainer for the Department of State.  A few months ago at a training, the subject of podcasts was being discussed and I had the change to share about this podcast and my experience being a host.  The very next day, as I was walking to work, I ran into Mandy on the sidewalk of a busy street in Bangkok.  She blurted out, “I didn’t know you were a Gator!  And you used to be a chaplain!”  I think I looked a bit taken off guard because she quickly followed up: “I’m listening to your podcast!”

 
It was an awesome moment for me to run into someone in Bangkok listening to my podcast!  And even better, it led us to conversations about Mandy being a guest and sharing these pieces of her journey.

Mandy shares about her journey of coming out, the courage she gained by others who led the way, coming out as gay in families and settings where it wasn’t easy.  Mandy also shares about the recent loss of her cousin, one of the people in her life who went before her, making the path a little less difficult.  And then, the loss of her father, going back home and giving the eulogy in the church where she was told she was wrong for being her.  

There are a number of themes in Mandy’s stories and through each theme she demonstrates amazing courage, forgiveness, and proactive grieving.  

Mandy, thank you SO much for your willingness to share your stories.  For sharing the insights from some sad and difficult times of loss, most poignantly, the loss of your father.  I know people will be touched and inspired by your authenticity, vulnerability, and wisdom.  And I know your dad would be very very proud of you.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer that Mandy’s opinions and experiences are her own and in no way represent the policies and opinions of her employer.


Read Mandy's blog at http://www.myplaidpants.com/

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