I found out about the World Race in December 2011. I can still picture the moment. I was sitting at home having lunch with a dear friend from college. I was antsy from feeling stuck in my job. I had been teaching for 4 months at this point and needed something to look forward to. She told me about this trip where people travel to 11 countries over the course of the year. I immediately said, "I'm going! Now what exactly is it?" I proceeded to get my computer and gather as much information off the website as possible. I spent many late nights reading blogs from people on the trip and deep down wanted to go myself. I got wrapped up in the stories and excitement of what being over seas would be like for me. I cringed a bit at the "struggles" of the race but didn't focus on them. I know that when you are focused on the goodness of what ministry brings the "struggles" tend to fade and loose power in your mind.
Let's back up a bit….I am 25 years old and I am in my second year of teaching. I teach 6th grade math to middle schoolers. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love kids and I love math. I went to James Madison University and graduated from college in Dec 2009. I was fortunate enough to complete a Discipleship Training School with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) in 2010. This opened my eyes to life overseas and I loved being part of a community of believers. YWAM taught me how to live in close quarters 24/7 with people I didn’t choose and people who I didn’t always understand. But through our diversity, we bonded and learned from one another. We were fortunate enough to go on outreach in China. I LOVED CHINA. It took a few weeks to get acclimated but I eventually fell in love. China is dirty, crowded, and different, but it has such character. I loved the character that oozed from the streets and Chinese people. They were very friendly and I desire to return one day.
Backing up farther…I have grown up in loving family that has taught me the importance of loyalty and living relationally. I am blessed to have a Mom and Dad that after 30 years of marriage still love one another. I am blessed to have an older sister who not only shares my passion of teaching but, has become one of my best friends. I am blessed to have a brother who is strives for excellence in everything he does and is being changed by God daily. I am blessed to have 3 beautiful cousins who I have the privilege to watch each summer and will miss dearly. I am blessed to have an Aunt who has been a part of my life since I was a baby. She is able to give me insight on my life and advise about whom God calls me to be. I am blessed to have a community of family friends that continue to play a large role in my “growing up” and becoming who God intended Emily Miller to be.
On a less serious note:
I love the color purple. I have played soccer my entire life and I love sports. My favorite verse is 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of love, power, and self discipline.” I love elephants and cannot wait to ride one in Thailand. Other cultures fascinate me. I enjoy funny people. I love to talk about real things and really get to know people. I will answer almost any question someone asks me. I love to listen to the Christian radio station but also enjoy country music. I hate to dance. I love chocolate ice cream. I love spicy foods. I enjoy bike riding and running. I love how a sunny day can brighten your mood 🙂
U Squad Survey
What is your favorite season and why? Spring Time, 70 degree weather is my favorite!
Where is the coolest place you’ve ever been? Xiahe, China…. a small tibetan town. Only had 2 streets in town and was home to a ton of monks. Georgeous mountains all around it.
What is your favorite iPhone (or subpar alternative) app? iHeartRadio (listen to KLOVE all the time since it's not on the radio where I live)
What was your favorite food when you were a child? spagetti with meat sause
What’s your favorite food now? Asian
What is your biggest pet peeve? people driving slow in the left lane, or just bad drivers in general
Do you have any strange habits/quirks? I constantly made noise as a child, but I try to control that now. I always stick my tounge out when I'm concentrating in sports. I'm sure I have others but they are not strange to me….
If 10 of your friends were asked to describe you in one word, what would be the most common response? Servent, I'm others doing things for other people.
What is one of your favorite quotes? God will use all things for the good. (Basically God is in control so don't worry about things.)
What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity? Favorite is hard… I love just hanging out, chatting, playing card games and such. I love being outside. Playground with my cousins, running, biking, walking to the store.
What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Chipolte
What is your favorite form of exercise? soccer….biking
What is your favorite sound: My 5 year old cousin shouting "Emmy" when she sees me.
What is your favorite smell? Yummy food cooking
If you were invisible for a day, what would you do? walk around and mess with people
If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? I have always loved my name. I wouldn't change it.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet and why? After watching Band of Brothers, I'd want to meet Colonel Winters.
If you had a movie made of your life, what celebrity would you want to play you? Based on looks, Natalie Portman. Based on my favorites, Sandra Bullock or Jennifer Ainisten.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Not sure, but I do want to make a difference in the lives of kids.
What do you like to do in your free time? Does bible study, coaching soccer, tutoring, and exercise count as free time or obligations? If I'm finally home, watch tv or hang out with family.
If you had to eat the same thing every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Unhealthy–french fries, heathly–hummas
What is your favorite beverage? chocolate milkshake
What is your favorite childhood memory? playing in the woods outside my house as a kid. disappearing for the day with friends and not coming home till dinner.
What’s the thing you’re most scared of regarding the WR? Having lice often, needing to pee on a bus without a bathroom, being sick away from home
What is your favorite movie/show/book? Bourne series/Friends/Harlen Coben novels
If you could be any animal for a day, what would it be? A elephant
What is your favorite sport to play/watch? Soccer/Football
First celebrity crush? Current celebrity crush? Denzel Washington
