Name: Jason McCabe
Place of birth: Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality: American
Occupation: High School Teacher
Date of arrival: 2005

Name: Mena McCabe
Place of birth: Syracuse, New York
Nationality: American
Occupation: School psychologist
Date of arrival: 2005

Author Burton Hill once said: "Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life". For Mena and Jason McCabe, a twenty-something, New England couple from Syracuse, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts, respectively, Hill's statement rings true. When most people at this stage of life are living for a career, the McCabes have decided to put their careers to work investing in a future generation.

Jason is a certified upper-level English teacher and Mena, a licensed school psychologist. With much rejoicing from parents and students, they are returning to their faculty positions for a second year at the American English Academy (AEA), which is located in the Sofian quarter Druzhba. Mention their names to those that know them, and an immediate smile appears. Mr Jason, a favorite among the students, appears scholarly in dark-rimmed glasses, but the heart of a comedian lies just below the surface. Students report that he transforms from quiet and introspective to interesting and humourous in the classroom. His teaching methods motivate them to learn; students of literature never had it so good. Surprisingly accurate impersonations and a slightly sarcastic wit colour his conversations, while an on-demand cockney accent make grammar exercises and the mechanics of writing almost bearable for AEA's upper classmen.

School psychologists play an essential role in the life of a school, especially in an internationally transient community, such as Sofia's international population. Sometimes, a student simply needs an ear to unload his or her grief or frustration. In other situations, Ms Mena can help students find a proactive and healthy approach that not only eases the immediate situation but also builds life-coping skills for the future. Parents also benefit from Mena's expertise as they discuss developmental and/or parenting concerns. The differences in language and culture prohibit testing for diagnosis but Mena can help parents understand what may be happening with their child. The very limited numbers of foreigners in Bulgaria make Mena's professional background a huge asset for AEA.

How did two New Englanders at the beginning of their careers make a detour to Sofia, Bulgaria? There is a sense in which these two Americans are comfortable as world citizens. The surname McCabe indicates an Irish link that ties Jason to his heritage. Mena's European connection divulges itself in a multitude of ways that reveal her Italian blood. However, it is not just the genetic ancestry that makes this young couple unique. There is a clear sense that they perceive their contribution in life should surpass the simple aspirations of a comfortable bank account and a neatly appointed lawn. Of their resolution to spend a season of their life outside the US, they admitted that it was a scary decision because of financial factors. However, they went on to explain that they did not want the main voice in their life to be money. They were quick to communicate their personal commitment to financial responsibility.

Their sense that social justice and humanitarian relief are more than just phrases for use by politicians is palpable. For this couple, a mix of Christian faith and social conscience inspires them to personally invest and make a difference. Volunteerism characterises their time in Sofia as they invest their time in a local humanitarian organisation that works with Roma children and leukemia victims. It is obvious that this couple has a sense of being called to invest themselves personally in order to make a difference.

The students of AEA are the predominant reason for the McCabes return to Sofia for this second year. "The relationships brought us back," stated Mena. Both of the McCabes voiced an appreciation for the pace and value of life in Bulgaria. "It feels like a much simpler life here, in the good sense of the word `simple'," said Jason. "I feel at peace here." They stated honestly that to stay was not an easy decision but it was the right one.

If one refuses to measure success in bank accounts, then how does one assess a life well spent? "Success, at the end of the year, is that knowledge that I invested in people," said Jason. Mena added: "If I took each day as it came and I made the best of it. If I invested in people - then that is success".

"The green mountains, the sincere, welcoming, giving Bulgarian character" these are valued by the McCabes. "Beauty in the midst of the unbeautiful," added Mena with a shadow of a smile, "I look forward to those moments when beauty surprises me", to which Jason quickly added: "the smell of peppers roasting". They find it rewarding to be part of AEA's international community representing over 30 countries.

With a nod to their professions, the conversation turned toward teenagers. The McCabes had a word of encouragement for the parents of this generation. "Be involved in their life as much as possible. Teens have a natural independence but as much as they seem to be independent, they do still long for their parents to be involved in their lives. Spend time with them; there is a lot of competition for their interest."

Role models in a world that applies price tags to happiness - a couple who values relationship over bank accounts and comfort, who lives their faith not just talks about it, happiness found in the method not in the destination. Jason and Mena McCabe - expats making a difference in our little corner of the world.