I was born and raised in Parma, Michigan.Now, if I was meeting with you face-to-face, this would be the time that I would hold up my hand to give you a visual of exactly where Jackson, Michigan is. If you have ever met anyone from Michigan, I am sure you know what I am talking about.Michiganders are known for showing locations in Michigan by using the palm of their hand since Michigan is shaped like a mitten.Although I come from a small town and state where we use hands as maps, I love traveling to new places, especially big cities.I love being adventurous and trying new things.And most importantly, I love serving others and serving God.It was these passions that led me to participate in the World Race.
I became a Christian at a young age.I come from a great family.I have two supportive parents who serve as Godly examples to me and I have one awesome younger brother, with whom I am very close.I have been blessed to have the opportunities to participate in numerous mission trips and volunteer activities. I have traveled to many different countries including Mexico, Venezuela, Haiti, Zambia, Canada, and Costa Rica. Through these experiences and my current job, God has affirmed my passion for the poor and underprivileged and my desire to reach these people for Christ.
Currently, I work as an in-home crisis intervention counselor working with families who are dealing with child abuse and neglect charges.I like the work that I do and couldn’t ask for a better experience for my first “real” job.I enjoy making an indirect difference in God’s Kingdom through this work.Almost one year ago, in May 2005, I graduated from Spring Arbor University in Michigan, with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.While attending SAU, I held a job as part of the Intramural Sports staff and also played on many of the intramural teams. In addition, I held a leadership role in our Heartside Homeless ministry and was blessed to be a part of this ministry.Before attending Spring Arbor University, I attended Bethel College in Indiana for two years.While I was there I played one year of volleyball and was a Young Life leader.
As for me personally, I enjoy many things in life.I love being physically active.I enjoy playing any sport, specifically basketball, volleyball, softball, ultimate frisbee, and most recently, racquetball.I am a YMCA member and enjoy taking kick-boxing classes.I come from a big-game playing family and enjoy participating in a good competitive game.I enjoy spending time with my roommates and friends.We enjoy going shopping and going out for coffee.
I am so excited to embark on this journey with the World Race. At the beginning of this year, I really began to question what God was calling me to do and where He was leading me.As soon as I heard about this opportunity, I knew it was something I could not pass up. Although I was fortunate to obtain a social work job immediately after college that I enjoy and feel like I am making a difference, I feel God is calling me to something greater.Through the World Race, I pray that God would draw me closer to Him, that He would continue to shape me into the woman of God he wants me to be, continue to develop my passions, and help me to discern His calling in my life.I cannot wait to see God work in ways greater than I could ever imagine.
