1. I’m 18 years old and just recently graduated from South Iredell High School’s International Baccalaureate Program. I’ve worked at the Chick-fil-A in Statesville, North Carolina since April of 2016 and am a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church.
2. I’ve lived in Statesville pretty much for my entire life. It’s a smaller town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina where there’s practically nothing to do unless you’re classified as a senior citizen. There are two perks to living in the Piedmonts of North Carolina though: a) the mountains are only an hour away and b) the beach is at least 3 hours away. My mother’s name is Hollie and my father’s name is Chis. Although I have a blended family, so my step-dad’s name is Brett. I have 4 sisters in total: Casey, Sarah, Abbey, and Halle. My dog’s name is Tanner Peanut Moran (my last name), he’s part chihuahua mixed with something else. My cat’s name is Zazzles Pepe Rainwater (my step family’s last name), he’s part bob cat – no lie!!!!
3. There’s been a lot of events that have made me who I am today. All of which I’m thankful for because it’s made me stronger. First and foremost, my church. I’ve been given one of the greatest gifts of being able to freely attend a church in a country where people are not persecuted for what they believe in. Western Avenue Baptist has played the biggest role in transforming me into the Christian I am. Along with that, my mother. As I mostly grew up in a single parent household; she never once wavered in her love or spirituality. I drawl my strength from her and she will always be my hero. I’ve also learned resilience from unlikely things such as my school where I learned to work hard to reach my goals; and from a car wreck that almost took my life about a year ago. Along with that my sweetest friendships; my sister and my best friend of 10 years. These are the things that my heart holds onto and wouldn’t change even if I wanted them to.
4. I love hiking and traveling. Both the beach and the mountains. I love spontaneous moments, rain, and movies. Soccer, I’ve been playing since I was 3 year olds. I talk a lot and like to get to know people. Card games, board games, being around my friends are some of my favorite ways to kill time. I’m mostly out-going, but also very independent. I’m really passionate about people, but I love all children and am definitely called to minister to them. I wish I could say that I’m gifted in singing; I’m not, but I still love to sing.
5. I was raised Baptist, and I’m lucky to have such great parents who lead me in their spirituality. My church (like I mentioned earlier), and good family friends who have all revealed the scripture to me. Evangelizing is always one of the biggest highlights for me. Getting the opportunity to put a bible in the hands of someone in the community along with food or clothing opens a door that most don’t feel comfortable opening in a church.
6. I want a year full of love, adventure, friendships, charity, and lots of praises for our God.
7. I learned about the World Race through an Instagram post published by Payson Rigsbee. We played on the same soccer team. I saw the post mid-way through May and I knew right then in my heart that’s what God had called me to do.
8. Prayers are accepted as they come! Please pray for me and my groups safety and that God gives us the wisdom and the capability to witness to people of different cultures.
