Here goes…a little about what makes me, me and why I am going on the world race.
Family: Born and raised in the good old state of Kansas, I grew up in rural areas in a Christian home with all brothers (4 in all…2 older and 2 younger). I now have 2 incredible sisters-in law, 4 nephews and a gorgeous neice. God blessed me with wonderful parents who have been married for almost 29 years and taught me God’s love and right from wrong. I also have a large and very supportive extended family whom I thank God for every day.
Christian walk: Like I said, my home was a Christian home. I grew up in a Baptist church and committed my life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 10. I am a student by heart. I love learning, especially about God and His word. I devour books about the Bible and Christian living whenever I get the chance. I enjoy memorizing scripture and in high school was part of my church’s Bible quiz team. It was during my senior year in high school when I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to some sort of ministry. So God led me to Nebraska Christian College.
Education/career: I graduated from NCC in 2004 with an AA in Deaf Ministry (yes, I know some American Sign Language, but am not as fluent as I’d like to be some day.) Then in 2005 I graduated again with a BA in Christian Education. I then tried to get a job as a children’s minister but was turned down several times with the typical “You are too young and inexperienced” line and so after floating around for awhile, taking what jobs I could, God pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have never been too keen on working with teenagers (prefering younger children who I consider much less complicated and dramatic) but for some reason I felt led to commit to working two years with at-risk teenage girls (talk about drama!) at a wilderness program in Florida. So far it’s been 19 months of intense learning experiences and character growth.
The World Race: When I had about 7 months of my contract left in FL, I began to wonder what God wanted me to do afterwards. As a single woman, I began to wonder if God could use me in the mission field. I ran into the AIM website in my search and was immediately drawn to the world race. The thought of back-packing around the world, letting go of material things, meeting new people, and most importantly…telling about and showing other’s my Savior’s love! I prayed about it and have felt like God has given me a thumbs up to go. I have so many friends and family members backing me up and am so excited about what God has in store!
Things I love:
- The outdoors: I have always had an appreciation for the great outdoors and enjoy activities like fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing, biking, etc.
- Sports: I enjoy just about any sport like softball, volleyball, basketball, track and field, swimming, etc. My favorite is by far a great game of volleyball!
- Reading: The Bible, Study materials, Francine Rivers books
- Teaching myself new things: i.e. how to sew, crochet, paint, cook etc.
- Playing board/card games with family and friends: My favorites being any trivia games, “Cranium”, “Uno”, and “Scrabble”.
- Hanging out with my younger brother, nephews, and neice: playing ball, building snowmen, riding bikes, playing video games, making cookies, just plain having fun!
- Singing: (especially real loud along with the radio on the way to work).
My favorites:
- Food: PB&J, lasagna
- Ice cream: Mint-Chocolate Chip
- Color: Purple
- Band: Casting Crowns
- Book: Other than the Bible of course, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers
- Movie: “The Buttercream Gang”
- T.V. Shows: The Cosby Show, Full House
- Bible Verse: Philippiams 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God is calling me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
