Hello. My Name Is Kristina. Some people call me Krissi, so it's ok if you do the same. I'm a Future World Racer!! If you're visiting this blog post, I'm assuming it's because you'd like to know a little about me. Sooooooo … I'll do my best to leave you with no regrets (but I can't make any promises!)
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I …. just kidding. 
I was actually born and raised in Lake Charles, LA. I had the traditional southern upbringing … You know – gumbo, football, alligator swamps, crawfish, Mardi Gras, and other cajun type things. All the stuff you see on tv, but hope isn't really true. 
I have 3 sisters, 2 brothers, a mom & a dad, and lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephew (yes, just one nephew) whom I LOVE SO MUCH with all my heart (forever and ever amen!). I'm the fourth child born into this Brady Bunch, or Smith Clan, whatever you want to call us. I seriously wouldn't trade my family members for anything in the world. We're a pretty tight knit unit and for that to be the case these days, I consider myself extremely blessed.
I attended Prairie View A&M University (in Prairie View, TX) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. SHOUT OUT TO MY PANTHERS!! After graduating I moved to Atlanta, GA and have lived/worked/played in Atlanta for the past 6 years.
For the past 6 years, I've been a Business Intelligence and Information Management Consultant. Explaining what I do for a living is more complicated than the work that I actually do! In the simplest of forms, I work with other consultants to help companies and organizations work smarter and, when done right, make more money in the process. I use technology to help solve business problems, and I specialize in the data and information management side of it. That's at least what I DID for a living … you'll hear more about the past tense clarification later.
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Now for what you really came here for … the juice, the goods, the 411. This is it … don't get scared now.
I love long walks on the beach, sunsets, rainbows, puppies and ice cream. If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gum drops, Oh What A Rain That Would Be!!!
I do love puppies and ice cream. Blue Bell ice cream to be specific. I would put money on the fact that outside of my love for the Lord, dogs and ice cream dominate my conversations and thought life. My absolute favorite flavor of ice cream is Blue Bell Pecan Pralines & Cream. Mmmmm … I feel like I can taste it just by writing the name out. Being raised in Louisiana, I love food. Spicy food. I love to eat! But, nothing tops my crazy sweet tooth. Like, it's literally insane. Ice Cream, and cupcakes, and chocolate … oh my!
I have one dog, her name is Kamille. Say hi to Kamille!!
Kamille is a sweet shar pei/pitt bull mix. She's now 2 years old, and I've had her since she was 8 weeks. I also volunteer with a local animal rescue organization as a dog foster mom. At any given moment, I could be housing additional doggies until they find lovely, forever homes.
Outside of animal hoarding, I also love to dance. I'm a member of small dance company called Release Dance Company. Although coming to Atlanta from Louisiana and Texas may have seemed like a random move & decision, I do believe I was led by God (even if I didn't know it at the time). In 2006, my main objective was to come to Atlanta and have a good time partying. I didn't know that I would meet some wonderful people here, and the members of Release Dance are just a few of those wonderful people. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to use my gifts and hobbies to worship God and bring Him glory, and make some great friendships in the process. It's a win-win!
Lastly, I love traveling. I've managed to take at least one trip out of the country every year since I graduated college. I can't wait to take off and see more of the world during my race. 11 countries in 11 months is still blowing my mind! Let's Go!!
Oh yeah … and GEAUX SAINTS!!! Didn't actually think I'd leave out Saints Football, did you?? What kind of a southern Louisiana girl would I be if I did! 
WHY AM I HERE?
And why are YOU here? I'll go into more details around my call to the mission field in another blog; but generally speaking, I've always had a servant's heart. At least that's what I believe, my little sister may think differently. Over the past few years I've noticed that my greatest joy came during times when I was giving or serving others. I guess in some way you can say that I've always been a missionary. I've always been called to do this. After all, my Father did say, on multiple occassions, that He knew me and called me before I was formed in my mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13,15; Job 10:10; Isaiah 49:5). So to me, it makes perfect sense that I'm going on the World Race.
But, for your benefit, I'll say that I'm going on the World Race because God told me to go. For months, I had an unsatiable craving that I tried to fill with money, work, friends, & even serving and volunteering with the church. Those things may have settled my hunger temporarily, but when the Lord calls you to go somewhere, there is NOTHING that will satisfy you until you're obedient and go. So finally, after much deliberation and prayer, I quit my job and signed up for the World Race. YOU DID WHAT??!?! Yes, I quit my stable, full-time, well paying job full of benefits, bonuses, and health insurance. 9 months BEFORE the start of my World Race, and 2 months before annual bonuses were being dished out, I left it all on the table. Trust me, it wasn't easy.
So now I'm here. Blogging. Praying. Preparing. For the journey of a lifetime. For a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus. For The World Race. 11 Months and 11 Countries. I leave in September and I couldn't be more excited! Regardless of what brought you here to visit my blog, I'm glad you came. I hope that you read something that sparked enough interest for you to support me and keep me in your prayers. And if you didn't, I still hope that you support me and keep me in your prayers!! LOL. I can seriously use all that I can get! You can find details on how to support me by clicking on the link to my Support Letter Blog.
Feel free to visit my page often and subscribe so that you don't miss out on anymore of the good stuff! If you have any questions or would like to contact me, click on the "Holla At Me" link to stay in touch. Until next time, be blessed!
