I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind, but now can see!
All because of Jesus…who died and rose for me!!! (…and YOU too!)
Hola Muchachos! I'm from a town of 4,000 people in the middle of Nebraska and was raised in a Christian home growing up — always going to church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. However, it wasn't until my freshman year of high school where God caught a hold of my heart and really started doing a work in me, placing people in my life that made me question what I believe and why I believe it. The summer of 2004 (summer after my freshman year) was an unforgettable summer that turned my life around to never be the same again.
My cousin who was a year younger than me lost his life one June morning in an ATV accident not too far from his home. Little did I know that his death would mean Life for me. You see, he was only 14 years old but had a heart for the Lord. Before that day I would see him memorize scripture and always thought he was kind of "weird" for his personal relationship with Jesus. But that incident of his death was my wake up call because, "Tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders and wake up…." (as Superchick would say). My aunt and uncle would say things like, "God is good." and I remember thinking, "How can you say that?! Your son just died!" To me it felt like a knife had stabbed through my heart…I can't even imagine what it felt for them and yet they are saying we have a good God? Wow. I realized that only the strength of Christ is what could possibly keep them comforting others, telling them that their hope is in Christ and they know that one day they will see their son again and together Praise Jesus in heaven.
This made me take a step back and examine my life. What am I living for? Myself? Or for the Lord? Unfortunatley, I had been living for myself… God used this tragic event for His Glory by bringing others into a personal relationship with Him, including me. Praise the Lord!
Since then I have been blessed with many things that encourage my walk with Christ including wonderful Christian friends, mission trips during high school, Bible classes at a Christian College, & a WONDERFUL College Bible Study that I can't even begin to describe how much it's helped me with my faith in Jesus.
My desire and goal in life is to bring God glory in everything I do. He has given me a passion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ that he has not only given to me BUT for the rest of the world as well! I love learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and share the love of Christ to others!
Over the past few years God has refined and shaped me through working at various Christian camps, living at a homeless shelter and serving as the day camp teacher for a summer, going on a mission trip to Nicaragua (with AIM) for a month, and living in Colombia for a year as a missionary…teaching 5th grade English & Social Studies at a Christian school.
I'm excited for this next chapter in life of The World Race where He will continue to refine and mold me. I know it will be filled with sometimes difficult and other times joyful moments. However, I am sure that in each one of those moments God is there and will be teaching me great things and preparing me for what's ahead!
As the prophet Isaiah said, "Here am I…SEND ME!"
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Here's a few answers to some questions to get to know me a little more:
Basic Information
Name: Allison Rene Mitchell (Allie)
Age/Birthday: 24 but turning 25 on Nov. 23!
Hometown/Current City: Aurora, Nebraska
Current Job/School(if student): Working for my uncle's corn detasseling company, randomly translating documents to Spanish for my parent's business, & working as a waitress on the weekends at a local Mexican Restaurant (making money and practicing/using Spanish at the same time!? Thanks God!)
Brothers/Sisters: Two brothers and a beautiful sister-in-law. Older: age 27, is married, and flies an FA-18 Super hornet jet for the Navy! (He's pretty cool) Sister-in-law Age 27 crafty as can be and has a beautiful heart! (love her!) Younger: age 20, and is going to be junior @ UNL (He's pretty cool as well…and a foot taller than me! So much for being my "little brother"… )
Favorite Things!
Color: Orange!
Movie: Phantom of the Opera….or Finding Nemo
Top 3 Disney Movies: 1) Finding Nemo 2) Toy Story 3) The Lion King
Band/Musician:
Male: Josh Garrels!!!!!!!!!
Female: JJ Heller
Bands: Tenth Avenue North or Needtobreathe
Book: Revolution In World Missions or Kisses From Katie
Food: pretty much anything but my favorite restaurant is P.F. Changs
Ice Cream Flavor: Peppermint Stick (Too bad it only comes once a year…)
Memory: It was on a week long mission trip in the Colombian Amazon Jungle and I was sitting on the front porch of our "kitchen house" with indigenous kids on all sides of me while reading the Bible to them in Spanish. They were so hungry for The Word it was SO cool!
Quote: "If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael
Scripture: "and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2
Season: Fall!
Sport to play: Everything but in order of favorite to least favorite: Cross Country/Track, Track event: Steeplechase!, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball/Softball, Volleyball, & golf is like #100 on my list ha. Whatever sports I can't think of definitely come before golf!
Sport to watch: College football! Any baseball, tennis….and some soccer but I'm JUST getting into it.
Sports Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers!! For soccer….Colombia of course! Vamos Colombiaaaaa!!
Random Questions!
Best Vacation: Went to Medellin, Colombia with some Colombian friends for a weekend.
#1 on your bucket list: To say I've been on every continent
What fictional character do you relate most to? Dory….but please don't judge until you meet me haha
Things you like to do for fun: Run!!!!!!!! Hike in the mountains, go on long bike rides, swim, play sports…well, pretty much anything active! Also, play piano & mandolin, learn new instruments, write songs, read books that encourage me in my faith in Christ, spontaneous road trips, speaking Spanish, and meet new people!
Something you cannot go a day without: listening to music
What is the last spontaneous thing you did? Drove to Colorado for a few days to meet a friend there that worked with me in Colombia. It's so cool seeing people on "states side" who you meet in other countries.
Coolest place you ever been: Amazon Jungle in Colombia for a week long mission trip!
What is your biggest pet peeve? When people don't use their turning signal when they are clearly turning!
One word that your closest friends and family would use to describe you: Crazy.
World Race Questions!
Have you ever been on an international mission trip? If so, where? Nicaragua (1 month) & Colombia (1 year)
What is the most prized possession in your backpack? Macbook to stay in contact with loved ones!
What are you going to miss the most? A comfy bed
One thing you have to take with you? My mandolin
What are you most excited to experience on the race? Speaking Spanish, learning differences between the cultures, & playing soccer!!
What are you most nervous to experience on the race? Getting sick…
What country are you most excited about serving in? Ecuador
What ministry excites you the most to experience on the race? Sports & music ministry!
What nonessential item do you want to bring in your pack? Ha…do I have room for one? 🙂 I feel so guilty saying this but make-up! (I would not have said this a year ago! Colombia has changed me haha) I guess sometimes I just like feeling like a girl…. 🙂
