Just Jenny!

I was born on July 5, 1985 (making me 27 years old)! 

I live in Port Barrington, Illinois, and have lived in the same little mint/lime green house my whole life! (except for college and the World Race)

I actually live on a island surrounded by the inlets of the Fox River! (Could this be the real Ellis Island?  Haha.)

I have two younger sisters, Katie (24) and Tammy (19). We all share a bedroom when we are at home, are all really competitive and athletic, and people that we are triplets!

I LOVE to run! It is so freeing, and you can go wherever you want- through fields, forests, you name it!!  I ran cross country and track in college (at Olivet Nazarene University) and have run 4 marathons.  My biggest running accomplishment is breaking 3 hours in the Chicago Marathon (2:58:11).

My family has gone on a crazy bike trip every year, since I was 10 years old. We have ridden from here to Minnesota four different times, to Maine once, to New Hampshire once, Niagara Falls once, around Lake Michigan three times, around Wisconsin two times, to the upper part of Wisconsin once, and around upper Illinois once. This summer, my parents let me and Katie go all by ourselves! There is nothing like leaving your home with nothing but your bike and a few bags. It is pure and utter FREEDOM! 

My parents are planning to ride their tandem around the perimeter of America next year! They are such beasts!

I love playing all sorts of sports- soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, tennis, capture the flag (oh, it’s a sport!), football, anything that gets me moving and running.

I love being outside! I love basking in God’s creation, whether watching a sunset, gazing at the clouds, or marveling at the beauty of a forest.

I taught 7th grade at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Mundelein for three years.

I have been subbing in the Wauconda community district for the past year. I am usually in the high school.

I coach cross country and track! When I taught, I coached at the junior high level, but for the past year, I have been coaching at Mundelein High School. Running with the MHS girls is my favorite part of the day!

I help with the high school youth group at my church and am loving it! I also teach high school Sunday school.

I love to sing at the top of my lungs!  Tenth Avenue North is my favorite band to sing to!

I play the piano.

I am really creative and love to write poems and raps.

I love writing in my journal about my day and things God is teaching me. It really helps clear the mind.

I love to read, especially the Bible and Tedd Dekker!

My humor is that of a junior higher. Punny jokes are awesome! 🙂

I can be both klutzy and awkward.

I don’t like make-up or shopping or many other girly things. I wouldn’t mind wearing the same clothes every day! 🙂

I have been on mission trips to Red Lake Indian Reservation, New Orleans, Kentucky, Zambia, and 11 other awesome countries! I cannot wait to go back to Africa!!!!  🙂

I have a runaway imagination. (Yep, I even used to think an old woman lived in my attic)

I love camping. I would sleep in a tent every day if given the chance!

I love having deep discussions and debates.

I do everything fast! (run, walk, eat, talk . . . . “SLOW DOWN, ELLIS!!!!”)

I love waking up early and going to bed early.

I have been known to talk or sing in my sleep.

I love competing with the guys and trying to beat them!  Haha.

I love to eat!!

I think rain is so refreshing!

I love how Jesus has set me free of so many strongholds, sins, and fears!! 

My dream is to one day run an orphanage in Africa and to be able to run with all the children! 🙂 (And it looks like that dream is coming true!)