Welcome to the odd world of Denea. I’ve never been considered a normal girl, though I’m honestly not sure what “normal” is considered to be. A tom-boy from the single digits of age, my excitement comes from getting dirty. Nickname growing up? Monkey. Climbing trees gave me a high I can’t explain in the common tongue. Playing baseball with the guys, football, tag, anything physically challenging made my heart dance – I have the scars to prove it!
In my teenage years I was the strange girl who wore sweat pants and t-shirts to school every day because comfort made me happier than attention. My goal in 8th grade? To place #1 in the push-ups challenge for girls in gym class, plus beat at least 75% of the boys. Yep – like I said. Strange.
Today, not much has changed besides life in general. Full-time jobs keep me from playing baseball with the boys, but I still get high from swinging my fists in kickboxing class. Sore muscles are euphoric.
Being raised in a Christian home, I was always encouraged to seek guidance from God in all things. At 12 years of age, I felt God gave me a glimpse into my purpose – to reach the unreached. It made sense. Most of the unreached are in the hard-to-live places, and challenging physical demands make me happy. As time, years and decades have passed, that glimpse has always been in the back of my mind, though age has at moments made it seem less likely to be achieved.
Then, 1.5yrs ago at 30yrs of age, I finally decided – to heck with it, I’m going to jump. I quit my full-time job, took up self-employment, and have been relying on the grace and sustaining power of God in faith ever since. Admittedly, it’s been extremely hard, but my faith has been strengthened, and now it’s time to make the next jump. Currently in my early 30s, it’s highly probable that I will be one of, if not the oldest participant in my group…. sounds like another great challenge! Partner with me in this great adventure – spiritually, prayerfully, emotionally, financially — by whatever means God would ask you to do so. I know He will bless you for it!
