My Autobiography

I want to start with what is most important. My passion. My heart. My faith. I am SO in love with God! I have an unquenching thirst for Him and for His presence. I want to be where He is. I am so excited to live my life for Him and spend my whole life falling more and more in love with Him.    

I grew up in a strong Christian home with great, wholesome parents who led me in the right direction. I accepted Jesus when I was a little girl. I grew up going to church and believing in God. I had strong beliefs, but never truly understood the effect that Jesus really has on your life. I lived a blessed life, I went to church and youth group, but to be honest, it wasn’t necessarily my top priority. But I am glad I did because it built a strong foundation and set high morals for my life. But like so many people, I never really understood what it meant to really know Jesus or how real He really is and the huge influence He has on your life and how you perceive it. I understand the difference now between growing up as a Christian and personally choosing to be a Christian. About 2 and a half years ago, my life was changed. There was no particular event that occurred that made the change, it just happened. I experienced Him. He came alive in me and I was set on fire for Him. My beliefs became more than a religion. I became spiritual. All I wanted to do was focus on who Jesus was. I wanted to be just like Him. I wanted His eyes so I could see opportunities to be kind, His arms to reach out to those around me, His feet to go to the places He would see fit to go, His thoughts to think wholesome and pure thoughts, His words to speak encouragement and kindness, His attitudes to live a life of love and joy, His heart to have His kind of compassion, and His love to share to the world. I wanted to be just like Jesus. God changed not my circumstances but how I viewed life and each day. A sunset was no longer just a pretty sunset. It was the amazing, beautiful, creative work of God. A tree wasn’t just a tree but a gorgeous, unique creation. The way I saw the world, people, and situations changed. My view of the world became beautiful and amazing, filled with opportunities to be Jesus to those around me. I am so excited to depend fully on God during these eleven months away from my life as I know it now. I just want to seek Him and grow closer and closer with Him. I can’t wait to serve in His name. I can’t wait for what He has in store for me!!

As for the other stuff…

My family is my life. I love them so much and have been so blessed to have them. My parents are wonderful. My dad has given me a heart of compassion and tenderness. My mom has taught me to be kind no matter what. I am the youngest of six kids. My oldest sister is Katie, she is loyal and her presence is so comforting. My second oldest sister is Elizabeth, she is the most generous person I have ever met. She recently got married to an awesome man, Paul who I know will take great care of her. My third oldest sister is Laura, she is goofy and fun and I always looked up to her. She is married to an amazing man, Blake, and has three kids, my niece Zoe, and my nephews Brevin and Oscar.

  

 

They add so much joy to my life! My brother Benjamin is the most amazing big brother I could have asked for. We always played sports together growing up, he taught me integrity and to have a good attitude. Now my sister Amanda, she is my best friend, my roommate, my other half. We are always together. Laughing is our favorite thing to do and we do it often. There is never a dull moment when she is in the room. 

 

I grew up on a farm in a small town. Unfortunately we don’t have that farm anymore, but we have an amazing new place we call home in the same small town and it’s my favorite place to be. I have been living in Minneapolis for the past 3 and a half years where I go to college. I love it!

I have always had a passion and compassion for the marginalized and underprivileged. Ever since I can remember I wanted to go to Africa and volunteer in an orphanage and give love to the orphans. I initially planned on joining the Peace Corps, but decided I wanted more of a Christian focus so I kept up on my research. I love experiencing different cultures, and I come alive when I am in a new place. When I came across the World Race website tears literally started to build up. Everything that I ever wanted was in this trip. I cannot wait to show the love of Jesus throughout the world.

I don’t want the life that so many Americans strive for. As of now, I wouldn’t be satisfied with settling down, getting a promising job, a big house, a nice car, and conforming to our consumer society. I want to live my call right now of bringing the message of hope and love to the world. I want to live a life of passion, peace, love, joy, and unity with God. I want Him to use me in bringing heaven to earth. I will not be satisfied with anything less.

I am SO excited that He has led me to this point. Soon I will embark on a journey, leaving everything behind to fully depend on Him and bring Heaven to earth. I want to serve the poor and the marginalized, live among the poorest of the poor and the outcasts, show radical love to those I encounter. I’m excited to meet my team, build strong relationships, and grow in my relationship with God.

 

Some Fun Facts: 

Fruit (any and all kinds) is my favorite thing to eat.

I LOVE to laugh…its one of my favorite things to do 🙂

I love: live music, watching movies, playing and loving on my niece and nephews, the ocean, beaches and palm trees, adventure, being outdoors, being in the presence of my family, hanging out with friends, deep conversations, and talking about God.

I’m laid back, I don’t get stressed out often, I never get bored when I’m in social situations or with friends, I am interested in anyone’s story who will tell it to me, I’m pretty much always up for adventure and trying new things, and I believe that radical love can change the world.