Well, my short bio for now for those interested in my life leading to the World Race. I was staff at AIM (still am for now) working in the World Race department, wishing I could go on trips. When the Racers were here for training, I fell in love with all of them, and my desire to go intensified. I sought the Lord for wisdom and direction, and He clearly said, “GO.” Yippee.
I grew up in an absolutely wonderful home, the 2nd of 7 children, with amazing, supporting parents. My parents support me to the fullest in whatever God calls me to do, which is the most freeing thing! Thanks Mom and Dad. I have 1 neice and she’s gonna be a big sister come May, an event I will be so sad to be missing. I loved growing up in a large homeschool family – we aren’t geeks, and all have great social skills – something some people wonder about in homeschoolers!! I attended a private school for my highschool years, and graduated after my junior year.
I attended a small Bible school (Grace Training Center) in Kansas City, Mo for 2 and a half years, after working for a year after highschool. I made amazing friends there, and grew in love for Jesus and the broken people of the world in leaps and bounds. My eyes were opened to the missions opportunities in the world, and my heart broken for Muslims in particular. The desire was moved the back burner of my heart for a while though, as I continued on my life without wholeheartedly pursuing missions.
After that time, I moved back home to Des Moines, Ia. and waited tables. I had a great job and amazing friends from my most beloved Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company. When Katrina hit, I wanted to help and signed up to volunteer in New Orleans through AIM. I went down the week after Thanksgiving and by the end of the first day, I knew that I was supposed to move down there and come on staff with AIM. So I went back to Des Moines, packed my apartment, and moved whatever fit in my car to good ol’ NOLA three weeks later.
My experience in New Orleans was a trip, and I learned alot about living with people, working with people, facing loss, grief and sadness. And most importantly I learned the importance of being in fellowship with believers and getting fed. I unfortunately learned because of the lack thereof, and I seemingly fell apart. It was a good experience when it’s all said and done, even though at the end of my season there I grew depressed and felt very lost. I moved to Gainesville, GA at the end of July to work in the AIM corporate office for a season of rest and healing. God has again brought me full circle to where I was when I began this AIM journey nearly a year ago – recognizing His incredible faithfulness in all my weakness. I felt broken, but He allowed me to become so in order to heal me. When doubt has overcome me in the last couple months, I have had a good number of people around to remind me again and again that His eyes of Love are on me, and that never changes.
My inadequacies and weaknesses are God’s opportunities to show himself strong, and I am learning to allow Him to do that. Stepping out on this Race is a huge step toward this understanding. In and of myslef, I am not adequate or ‘equipped’ for this, but God has clearly called me, and knowing that, I am trusting he will equip and prepare me for whatever lies ahead. I am ignited by his love, his healing touch and the community of people he is calling as my companions on this year ahead.
This is the journey of a lifetime I have ahead of me, and I can’t wait to see how God will change my heart and life. It will be hard, challenging, but rewarding in His Kingdom!! AMEN!!
