So, who am I? That’s such a loaded question! For
starters, my name is Jennilee and as of yesterday, I am now a quarter of a
century old (thanks grandma!). I grew up in Illinois around the St. Louis area, but I’ve lived down in Savannah,
Georgia for several years since high school. I’m currently
getting my Masters in Elementary Education in hopes of one day teaching 2nd
grade…I can’t wait! I have an amazing family who is always super supportive of
me! They are probably one of the biggest blessings in my life and I don’t know
who I would be if it weren’t for my parents! I also have the greatest group of friends
who have taught me so much about life…they’re the ones I can cry with, laugh
with, pray with and just love!
Before I really get into who I am, let me explain where God’s brought me from and how much of a part He plays in this whole opportunity….
He is the reason that I stand before you alive and well. He’s saved me from death numerous times and each time I’ve ever been in a place of defeat, He’s always taken me under His wing to shelter and strengthen me. I have been forgiven of more than I could ever know and loved more than I will ever be able to imagine. He’s been taking me through a time of surrendering everything to Him so that He can do with my life what He’s planned…it’s been a time of letting go of my dreams and my plans, my finances and my perceptions…and fully diving into the plans that He has laid out before me.
I’m praying that this time in the World Race will open up my eyes to the depravity of all of us as humans and the even greater love He has for us despite our weaknesses and selfishness. I hope to be utterly broken for the things that make God’s heart break and to truly rejoice in the things of eternity. Since love conquers all, my desire is to learn more and more each day how to selflessly love and see others just as God sees them. May this time be one of absolute growth, complete devotion, selfless abandon, intense power and unconditional love!!
So, here’s a list of random facts about me:
I LOVE the beach and I love late night beach trips where
you can lay out under the stars and meet with God!
I eat to live and I LIVE to eat…food is amazing and I can
never get enough!
I’m Type 1 Diabetic and have been since I was 16. It’s a
good thing my love for food is normally for healthy stuff!
I love physical activity. As long as I have the time to
do workout, I’ll jog or exercise almost daily! It’s a giant stress reliever and
sooo invigorating!
I have a cat who acts like a dog and weighs 18 lbs. He walks on a leash and “sits pretty” for treats…he
brings me so much joy and is sooo entertaining!
I’m really involved in the creative arts team at my
church. I lead the youth creative arts team in which we work on everything from
dances and skits to painting and service projects. Those youth are incredible
and push me more and more in my own daily work with God!
I, personally, used to be so against going on a mission
trip because of some missions’ majors at a Christian college I used to go to
several years ago. Now that God is taking me into this new season of my life,
it continues to amaze me how He leads you to do things you never thought you
could or would do!
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a
giant perfectionist! This is something that gets easier and easier to not
conform to the older I get. I’m learning more and more (especially with this process!)
to let go and let God. As time has passed, God’s torn away so many of my layers
to reveal an absolute dependence on Him as opposed to my own independence in
leading my own life and getting everything perfect.
I’m so far from perfect, but so saved by grace!
I love to see when a student’s light bulb goes off in
their heads and they suddenly understand what you’re trying to teach them!
There’s nothing like that moment when you start to see a child believe in
themselves and what they can accomplish!
So, this is me! I can’t wait to see what God’s going to
do through this trip, how I’m going to be wrecked for the better and in what
direction He’s going to take us all!
