Hello! If you have come to learn a little more about me, then you have found the right page!
My name is Misha Shonkwiler. I am 29 years old; born and raised in Muskegon, MI, which is located on the western coast of MI. I am the daughter of Vikki and James Shonkwiler. I have a younger sister, Kayleigh, 25. She and her husband, Nathan, and two step-daughters live in Waterville, MN.
(Photo: Me, Vikki, Nathan, Kayleigh, James – August 2011)
I graduated from Grand Valley State University in December 2010 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics – Secondary Education with a minor in Psychology. Since then I have been substitute teaching during most of the school year, and then spent my summers working at a camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Cedarville. I am on my fourth and probably final season working on crew as the camp bookstore supervisor. The camp is called Cedar Campus; a training camp for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, (more about camp later).
Some other random facts about me: I like to smile, A LOT! In fact, a student once told me that I smiled too much.
I have been a born-again Christian since October 2001, when I was 16. I am far from perfect, and the Lord is definitely still working on me, and I just want to be the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14). I love the Lord and want to serve Him with my whole heart, which is the main reason I decided to embark upon this journey called the World Race.
I LOVE playing games: board games, card games, strategy games, most sports! I have quite the collection of games too; although I have a few friends who have a ton more than I. Dominion and Settlers of Catan are probably some of my most favorite. I played softball for about 9 seasons, and bowled on 7+ leagues over the years. I love to swim as well.
I am an ISFJ. The description from the myers-briggs test is as follows; and I must agree that it describes me pretty dead on: Quiet, friendly, responsible, and conscientious. Committed and steady in meeting their obligations. Thorough, painstaking, and accurate. Loyal, considerate, notices and remembers specifics about people who are important to them, concerned with how others feel. Strives to create an orderly and harmonious environment at work and at home.
I enjoy the outdoors and being surrounded by God’s creation. This is one of the main reasons I keep returning to camp for a summer job. Cedar Campus is located on Prentiss Bay, and it boasts 6 miles of coast line. I can look out my back window where I stay and see Lake Huron. J My favorite place to be alone with God is near a body of water.
I have a servant’s heart and often put others needs before my own. It is hard for me to be happy unless others around me are happy as well.
I have participated in three missions trips. I worked at an orphanage in Puebla, Mexico, with a group from my home church in 2006 & 2009. I also worked at another orphanage in Haiti in 2008 with another group from my home church. I spent 6 weeks studying abroad in South Africa in 2010 through GVSU.
Math was always my favorite subject in school. Reading was probably my least favorite, but that was because I had a hard time comprehending things… I enjoy reading more now that I am older.
I enjoy listening to music. It soothes my soul. I have sung in several choirs in the past.
I enjoy watching and/or listening to Detroit Tiger’s baseball. I am anticipating going to my first game in June 2014.
I have served in several positions within the church: youth ministry, children’s church, VBS, women’s ministry, preparing communion, general clean up, prayer team, and choir. I also thoroughly enjoy studying God’s word together with other believers.
I am looking forward to heading out on the World Race to serve God all over the world!
