I guess when you tell the Lord, “Whenever you call me overseas for a longer term I will go”; He is defiantly going to open up the doors to do that! I am consistently amazed at His timing and the things He does in me to change me (either I’m kicking or willingly allowing it
J
) into that gal who is willing to say “use me, here I am!” All
to say, I am very excited to be doing this race.
Now, a little bit about me. I was born and raised in
Michigan
. I come from a family of 5 kids (there is a 6 ½ year difference-my mom was busy!), 2 girls- 3 boys. Our ages range from 33-27, me just turning 32. I now also have 2 nieces and a nephew. We are all believers and were raised in a Christian home. At about 13 my parents divorced and we didn’t see my dad for 14 years. But praise God for restoration. We were reunited about 4 years ago, and God still continues to show me His love and unconditional grace as my father.
I graduated from
University
of
Michigan
and was very involved with the IV (InterVarsity) chapter there. I went to
Urbana
(A Missions Conference) ten yrs ago (and this year) and God really started to work in my heart about missions. I knew one of my mission fields was to teach in the inner city (I love black kids) but He also grew a heart for overseas missions. I taught my first year in
Belem
,
Brazil
, in a missionary school-first grade. I now have been teaching 8 yrs in the inner city of
Detroit
, the past 4 yrs in 1st grade. I love it but it can be draining, so the summers I look forward too
J
.
Since then I have been on 3 short term mission trips to different countries of
Africa
. I love this continent and the people there!
I am also very involved in my church through woman’s ministry.I lead a small group for 3yrs and I am now coaching (disciplining) other woman small group leaders. And I love it.
I am a gal of little fear, a lot of adventure, a love for people and a growing trust for what God has in store for me. I love my 30’s! Many things have happened/happening: I started running (my sis was my inspiration), ran my first marathon in October(w/my sis), finished my masters, my sis is getting married,
God is continuously blowing my mind in how He is my strength and stronghold, and finally this World Race adventure. I want to always live my life with obedience to what He calls me to. So I say” bring it on” to this next stage in my life!
