Just a Little Introduction

Hey all! It’s me [over-dramatic wave]—THANK YOU for showing up!

I graduated in January from Sterling College and have returned home to our family farm outside of Holton, KS. I get to wake up every day and teach some very energetic and adorable 4-9 year old Chinese students English online from my desk. Aside from teaching, I love volunteering at my high school (music and forensics events) and church (music and youth group gatherings).  

What’s next?! >> In January 2020, I will pack a backpack and travel to 11 countries within 11 months, inspired to be and bring the love of Jesus wherever I go and serve others around the world. Along with my team, we will partner with churches, ministries, and service organizations to teach English, minister to and empower women caught in trafficking, partake in church planting, preaching, street and slum evangelism, pray for the sick in hospitals, work at orphanages, run youth camps, and more. We will serve people in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, India, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. I’ll be spending one month in each country, with ministry looking different most months. Five of my months will be spent living within the 10/40 window (a portion of the world where the majority of the world’s unevangelized countries are). [My excitement ranges from jumping up and down to being speechless about this. . . let it begin, let it begin!!!]

My story is about Him

Friends, my relationship with Jesus is my t r e a s u r e. Praying and spending time studying His Word gives my soul rest from worry and replaces it with peace. All His promises are y e s towards me. Throughout college, Jesus has given me hope after seemingly irreparable circumstances, He has been near to me and active in my life when I have gone through seasons of depression or confusion, and He has always, always worked all things for my good and led me to freedom in Him. He is so gentle with me, and never lets a tear or prayer go unseen or unheard. All I feel is e n d l e s s gratitude that He found me and rescued me from myself and the deceptions of this world. He has given me freedom and life. He has changed e v e r y t h i n g. The joy and amazement I feel in my heart compels me to tell everyone I can about what He has done for me.

Why the World Race?

(1)  It is such a privilege to know God and be known by Him, and I want to accept my calling by using prayer and God’s Word to bring healing, freedom, and clarity to those who have not heard of Him or do not realize who He is and what He came to offer us.  

(2) I’m also here because I want to live in community—so we can encourage and comfort each other as we experience all that growth entails. I taught in China last summer, and though it was an enriching experience, I did get lonely. I also attended college in a small tight-knit community, and it caused me to learn so much about healthy relationships and handling conflict. It was difficult sometimes, but it shaped me to be more others-oriented, compassionate, and a better communicator, and rather than hiding from that, I’m sprinting towards that now! I want to continue to be stretched and truly desire to walk with others through the tough times. I am incredibly blessed by my relationships! Building and investing in relationships with others strengthens our witness and brings glory to God—and I have a lot to learn!

(3) I’m also so grateful to the people who opened up the world to me through their stories and book recommendations while I grew up in my small hometown, and I would love to help foster that for others by collaborating with community businesses and schools back home to share pictures and stories about the culture, conditions, and what God is doing in these countries.

(4) 1 Timothy 4:12, encourages young people to step up and claim the role that God has for them, so I want to empower my young single friends to embrace and be intentional in this season of life… there is much to be learned and you have much to offer others!

Through the journey of fundraising and serving abroad I would like to…

• grow in relying on Him for my daily provision and His vision for my life
• learn more about God’s design for relationships
• to know Jesus more and become more like Him
• encourage and pray for those partnering w/ me
• learn from and serve with a joyful spirit those in need

Annnnnnnnnnd I saved a seat for you! Your support is crucial and I cannot express how much I appreciate you being here—I cannot do this alone! Let’s invest in His Kingdom together!

• Prayer: Partnering with me in prayer makes a difference in my life and those I encounter. It’s a powerful resource, so let’s use it to the full!  
• Financial support: My fundraising total is $19,200. If you would like to donate, you can donate online on my blog or send a check through the mail (payable to “Adventures in Missions” with my name in the memo line. I will provide a stamped envelope and address–just ask!). Checks cannot be written to me and I cannot accept cash donations. Donations are tax-deductible.   
• Subscribe to my blog: This is where I’ll be posting stories and prayer requests throughout the next 2 years!

“We love, because He first loved us.” -1 John 4:19