Hello, all! I’m going to try to make this as entertaining and informative as possible.

First, The “Boring” Stuff:

I was born and raised in Germantown, TN. For those of you who don’t know where that is, it’s a nice town outside of Memphis. Most of the time I just say I’m from Memphis because it’s a city people are familiar with on a map. However I feel like that’s misleading because while I may say, “I’m a gangsta,” the sad truth is I am not a gangsta…I’m not even that tough.

At 5’3 I’m not even really a physical force to be reckoned with. But don’t tell me that! After growing up with my younger, athletic brother, I like to think I can do anything a guy can do; gotta love sibling rivalry. And sometimes I can do it even better…I challenge any of you to a round of Super Smash Bros. on the N64; I’ll take you down.

My younger brother is 22 (I think), and I am 24. He is my only sibling, and he is truly one of my best, closest friends. He’s an incredible man of God, and I know our friendship is a HUGE blessing from God- love you bro.

I really just love all of my family. I talk to my mom almost every day of the week and my dad several days a week. No worries though, I’m a strange combination of close as can be to my family and fiercely independent; so I’ll be fine leaving them for 11 months- love you guys! To add to this blessing, I have a wonderful extended family on both sides.

A few other boring details:

   I work for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Knoxville, TN. I’ve been here for over a year.

   I majored in English and minored in Anthropology at East Tennessee State University.

   And that’s it! Time for the good stuff…

The Good Stuff (in list form)

1) My dog’s name is Moab, as in Moab, Utah. Missing him will make me cry many times throughout the Race.

2) Ultimate Frisbee is my biggest passion apart from Jesus. I play competitively, and you better believe I’ll have a disc with me on the Race.

3) I’m a closet nerd…can you be a closet nerd if you tell people? Idk, you decide.

4) I’m a certified Scuba Diver.

5) On my first day of Kindergarten, my teacher was given a slip of paper about me that read, “Does not know first name.” …Thanks, mom.

6) I HATE technology, and it hates me.

7) I LOVE to laugh and live, and I’m thankful that God has given me a spirit of such joy.

8) I Salsa dance.

9) I’m secretly an introvert.

10) I’m far from perfect. I know what you’re thinking: “Duh, Rachael.” But in all seriousness, it’s been a long albeit good journey getting here, and God isn’t even close to finished with me. I’m grateful, terrified, and I think ready!

11) I did not think the WR was a calling the Lord would have on my life- but I’ll share more about that in another blog.

 

Until then, much love to all of you!