Hi! I'm Brianna and here is a little about me:
I currently live in Saginaw, MI and am the studio manager/staff photographer at a photography studio. I have a great job! During the week, I keep things organized and flowing smoothly at the studio and on most weekends in the summer, I photograph weddings. The atmosphere of the studio I work at is awesome – relaxed and upbeat, with music always playing (classic rock when I choose the station) and an unending supply of chocolate!
Photography has been my passion for years. In high school, it started as a way to fill an empty block in my junior year class schedule; now, as an adult, it is what I want to do every day for the rest of my life. My big, reach-for-the-stars dream is to be a famous photojournalist for oh, I don't know…National Geographic, perhaps? Every photographer's dream, right? So, of course, one of the reasons I am incredibly excited about the World Race is opportunity to photograph so many places, people and what God is doing all over the world.
From November 2008 to May 2010, I lived in Japan and worked as an English teacher. I first fell in love with Japan when I spent a semester there in college, so I decided to go back after I graduated. My year and a half there was wonderful, challenging, scary and eye-opening – all the things I expect the World Race to be. After all the things we've been through together, Japan has a special place in my heart. I love the people, culture and beauty of the country itself.
My time living outside of America helped give me an outsider's perspective on our culture, especially Christianity in the States. I began to realize that I didn't want to be just a "church on Sunday, live my life how I want the rest of the week" type of Christian. In last few years, I've felt the need to get out into the world and dedicate my time and energy to God. I've also been desiring to challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone. I've been a Christian all my life, but I feel like it's the time to do something bigger and more sacrifical for God. That's where the World Race comes in. I am looking forward to getting out into the world and being a part of God's work in different countries.
So that's the big stuff – here are some smaller tidbits about me:
- I graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2007 with a degree in English with an emphasis in writing and a minor in photojournalism. I loved my college experience and I feel so blessed to have had it.
- I love to listen to classic rock. The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac – these are all bands that I sing along to at the top of my lungs while driving.
- I really love goofy funny movies like Airplane!, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Naked Gun, etc. Of course, anything directed by Mel Brooks is an instant favorite (especially Young Frankenstein). Also, Mystery Science Theater 3000 – love it.
- Besides Japan, I've been to Italy, which I loved. I went there on a ten-day tour right after I graduated from high school. We went to Rome, Florence, Venice, Pompei and the Amalfi Coast. It was an incredible trip and I think what got me into traveling.
- Two of my favorite writers are C.S. Lewis and Rich Mullins. I took a C.S. Lewis class in college and read about ten of his books that semester. He can write amazing books in any genre and, even though he addresses complicated subjects, he explains his points clearly and with humor. One of my favorites is The Screwtape Letters. Rich Mullins is mostly known for his Christian music career (he wrote "Awesome God" and "Sometimes By Step"). His lyrics are honest and address real struggles in being a Christian. I respect the way he lived his life, too; he believed in simplicity and compassion for the poor and weak. My favorite song by him is Hard To Get.
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
Geisha in Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan
Me and my co-workers in one of our Photo Booths
