I was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (yes, Amish country and no, I’m not Amish) but have been working in New York City and living in New Jersey for the past 8 ½ years. I am 31 years old and graduated with a Bachelor or Science degree in Broadcast Communication in 1997 from Mansfield University on a Basketball Scholarship. I currently work as a Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor.
I married my wonderful and amazing husband, Cruz, on the beach in St. John US Virgin Islands in 2002. However, he was recently called by the United States ARMY to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror/Iraqi Freedom for 15 months. When we received his orders I asked the Lord to show me how I could serve Him while my husband was protecting our country. It’s funny, when you ask the Lord that question… He’ll take you up on it! So, He put a calling on my heart to go on Adventures In Missions’ 11 month World Race Missions Trip. Initially, my mind told me this was crazy. It can be scary to change your whole life for a year and leave your comfort zone of home, family, friends, and job for a year, but I knew this is where the Lord wanted me during this tough year away from my husband. My only past missions trip was 5 days in Matamoros, Mexico which I went with my church, Hoboken Fellowship Chapel, through Adventures In Missions. It changed my life completely so I can only imagine how the Lord will open my eyes with this experience around the world.
I am excited to show God’s love and minister to those that don’t know Him in our hurting world. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will take my husband’s experiences in Iraq and my experiences around the world and bring them together to His glory and purposes. Sometimes we don’t know why God puts us in certain places at certain times but if we put our trust in Him, He will make clear our paths.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6
Special Thanks to my husband, my family, friends, and church family for all your prayers and financial support during this unique opportunity to spread love to our world. Because of your faithful support, you are doing everything that I will be doing around the world. I love you all and you have touched my heart in an immense way. God Bless.
