I grew up on a farm in Jerome (Hunt), Idaho with my parents, grandma, two older brothers and a younger sister. Growing up in the shadow of two older brothers, I am consequently somewhat of a tom boy. I was very fortunate to grow up under the example of parents who are not only in love with Christ, but also with each other. When I was five years old, I accepted Christ in my bedroom with the guidance of my father. From that moment on, God has given me a very compassionate heart and a desire to pursue the ministry, especially in third world countries. As a child I was always intrigued by the stories about missionaries in church and my father’s experiences ministering in the jails and surrounding areas.
After high school, bound and determined to get away from farm work, I took a job with the Bureau of Land Management as a wild land firefighter, and although the work was even more toilsome, I was instantly hooked. So I spent my summers chasing fire, and my winters doing the only other thing I have a hard time living without, snowboarding. I also started my College career at The College of Southern Idaho where I have slowly (in between snowboarding trips and rock climbing), been earning a degree in Resource, Recreation and Tourism, and Ecology. I currently work for the Forest Service in fire as an Assistant Engine Boss on the Sawtooth National Forest. Aside from my work, I thoroughly enjoy writing, drawing, reading, and about every outdoor sport and activity Idaho has to offer.
In all honesty, I am most likely the least experienced person on the race. Although I have no official ministry experience, and I have never traveled beyond the North American continent God gives me the opportunity to minister daily. He is constantly sending people my way, whether it is at school, work, or a stranger I pass on the street each day. God has really compelled and equipped me with the desire to pass on his love to everyone around me. One day while trying to figure out what to do with my future, I received an email about the World Race. God instantly placed it on my heart; after all it is everything that fits me, ministry, adventure, and travel. I put it off for awhile, thinking, why would they pick me when I have no real official mission experience? I heard God saying that it doesn’t take leaving the town or country in which you live to make you a better missionary or Christian. I knew at that moment that this was the ministry I have been waiting for God to call me into since I was a child.
I am very excited and feel very fortunate to be part of the race. I know that my love for Christ and my desire to learn and grow as much as I can with each country will make me a valuable asset to my team. I am praying that God will continue to guide me in my race to serve him throughout the world.
