For some reason I have a really hard time talking about myself, so I’ll do the best I can to describe myself and my life until now…
I have lived in South Dakota for almost my whole life and have always felt that I don’t really belong in this state. The winters just about kill me! I grew up in a Christian home and could not be more thankful for my amazing parents who teach by example how to serve and follow Christ by loving others. I am the oldest of three and have two great younger brothers who somehow got all of the athletic ability in our family. I graduated from High School in 2004 and first went to Minnesota State in Moorhead and then to the University of Arizona for a year. I finally ended up at the University of Sioux Falls (a small Christian university in SD) for my last two years and I absolutely love it here. I tend to get bored doing the same thing for too long, so the World Race sounded perfect to me! I graduate in May with a degree in Spanish and Sociology and have never been sure how I would use that in a future career. Another reason the WR is so appealing… I don’t have to decide for a while now!
I have been on several short-term mission trips, but it wasn’t until 2 summers ago that I really felt called to pursue missions long-term or as a possible career path. Since then I have been seeking and praying for an opportunity to fulfill those dreams. Isaiah 61: 1-4 has been a passage which has really encouraged and motivated me to not lose sight of those plans.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
I feel like this verse really captures the desires of my heart and the plans God has for my life, whatever form that may take. The World Race is really going to stretch me, as I’m not very outdoorsy and often need to be talked into adventurous things, but I can think of no better way to spend the next year! God is doing miraculous things through this program and I cannot wait to be a part of it!
I’ll end with some of my favorite things:
- my friends and family
- coffee
- beaches
- diet coke
- reading
- traveling
- pineapple
- cheesy movies
- shopping (wish i didn’t…)
- Friends (the TV show)
- baking
- laughing
- warm weather
I’ve never had to write about myself like this so I’m not sure if I described myself well enough… If you want to know more, ask me!
