Hi there!
My name is Natalie Swartzendruber…yep, it’s a mouth-full, said just like it’s spelled though! I am a 28 year old from Happy Valley, Oregon (pronounced Or-ih-gun for you easterners)!
I am a rather outgoing person who loves life. Most people would describe me as the girl who is “always busy”. I feel life has a lot to offer and so we should do our best to experience as much of it as we can. I will admit, sometimes it is good to be reminded to slow down and take time to smell the roses. I just want to go out and see and experience all of the roses though 🙂
One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a person over a cup of coffee and just simply learning about who they are, what their life has been like, what is going on in their life right now, and where their hopes and dreams are. Everyone has a story 🙂
I absolutely love travel. Back in January of 2009 I took off to study abroad in Bulgaria. While studying there I was able to visit 5 countries. Once I was done studying I took off for 3 weeks and backpacked through 9 countries alone! I met a lot of amazing people along the way, and couchsurfed the whole time (check it out! www.couchsurfing.org). Talk about learning to stretch yourself.
I absolutely adore my family. My Mom and dad are amazing people! They have shared with me their knowledge, wisdom and love over the years and continue to today. My brother, who constantly amazes me, even lets me embarrass him by running up, jumping on him, and giving him a big hug in front of his friends (he’s 21). My extended family is amazing too, I will definitely miss them all while on the race.
But to most people who know me, it does not surprise them that I am taking off on the World Race. I have a strong passion to help those who are in need, and an even greater one to tell them about Jesus 🙂
I am excited to give back to those who need it. I am also looking forward to being stretch and to grow in ways I never thought possible.
I hope you enjoy following me on this journey!
