Hi, guys. My name is Lisa but lots of people call me Toby; I like that. Ch-ch-check it out.
Where I’m going:
I’m going on The World Race in September 2014 on Route 3
11 countries in 11 months to “serve the least of these”
Haiti. Bolivia. Peru. Ecuador. Malawi. Zambia. Zimbabwe. Malaysia. Thailand. Vietnam. Cambodia.
Where I’ve been:
I was raised in a sleepy little city in southeast “Pure Michigan”- a great place for roots but one that also inspired me to grow wings.
My mom put a volleyball in my hands when I was in elementary school and that was that. Volleyball (and academics of course…) led me to an incredible, unforgettable 4.5 years at Ferris State University.
After graduation, I found a random family in Spain and moved in to be their Au Pair, taking care of their little one(s). OK, it was a little more organized than that but not much! This family now takes up a HUGE piece of my heart; ask me about them and my eyes will likely well up with tears.
Back on U.S. soil, I started my career at a small college where I presently work with international students and assistant coach the volleyball team. I am a lucky one to say I passionately love my job, co-workers, bosses, and players.
Where I’ve been…I’ve been in a place where I had a faith in my head but one not expressed my actions/decisions and one that definitely didn’t look like Jesus to the world. Yes, I had a happy life but one lacking purpose beyond chasing the next accomplishment or trying to feel passion through temporary fixes. The very act of pursuing happiness my way kept me from true joy. Ah, the irony.
Then I handed everything over to God last spring, saying, “Here, I’m not doing nearly what I could be with all that You’ve given me…teach me, send me, use me.” I didn’t know exactly how big of a prayer I was praying at the time because man, did He listen and respond.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” Matthew 7: 7-8
This stuff makes me smile:
Playing sports/being active. Little kids. Trying something for the first time. Random Acts of Kindness. Coloring, arts & crafts, arm knitting. Fellowship. Listening to people talk about what they are passionate about. The sound of ukuleles. Playing games/competition. Hikes. Hand-written notes/snail mail. Reading. Collecting cookbooks from different countries I visit. Snowshoeing. Campfires.
My support system:
My Family
My parents- they rock and have a faith-based marriage I hope to one day emulate. Bless their souls for supporting me on all of my crazy adventures. My “baby” brothers- they rock too. The 3 of us couldn’t be more different but we love and embrace it (now!). Our pup- she will always be a puppy in my eyes but she’s pushing 14.
My friends
Some of my best friends are former teammates. We’ve experienced so many of our greatest successes and failures together. They are the most energetic, fun-loving, and compassionate women.
There isn’t enough room on this blog to share about my other closest friends but I truly could not ask God for a better circle of friends to encourage me, strengthen me, and keep me laughing-until-I-cry through life!
My boyfriend
He’s hilarious, strong, up for anything, has a kind, kind heart, and is more optimistic than me on my best day. The World Race will not be the first time our adventures have sent us miles/oceans away from each other. We just thank God for directing our steps as individuals and cling to the confidence that we are honoring Him with our choices to pursue the doors He’s opened.
And all of you!
Thank you for being here. I am so thankful for your prayers, financial partnerships, and support.
