So you might want to know how I ended up here: missionary, teacher....how? Well, I don't really know how, but I sure know why. Let me tell you my story....
I was born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee. I have lived in the same house my entire life. I went to the same Christian school kindergarten till high school graduation. I've regularly attended two churches in my life. My parents are strong Christians. My grandparents are strong Christians. All these things are incredible blessings in my life. God has, for some reason, blessed my life beyond belief. I have nothing to complain about. I have the best parents, sister, brother in law, and family in the world! I have had the best place to grow up, the best school, teachers, the best church, pastors...God placed me in the best possible place to grow close to Him. At seven years old, I understood my need for Jesus to get to heaven. I understood that only through God could I get rid of all the sin, all the bad stuff in my life, and have the chance to go to heaven when I die. So, of course, I asked God to forgive me for messing up; I asked him to live in my heart. It wasn't until the age of 13 that I truly understood what I did. It was then that I was old enough to figure the relationship aspect. It wasn't just fire insurance for me, I loved my Lord! The God of the universe, the creator of all things wanted to have a personal relationship with me! Why oh why? Because He loves me! So, I started reading my Bible, praying, going to Bible study, really trying....and I loved it! God is amazing!
Around 15, I really discovered the world of missions. I went on my first short trip to Ecuador at 16, then through high school went to Mexico, Belize twice, and Zambia. I was hooked; my passion was missions. In college I also went to Bosnia, then spent my last semester completing my student teaching internship in the Philippines. These opportunities have led me to a bit of a motto for my life....
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" Luke 12:48
God has blessed my life, now I must do what I can to give it back. He has given to me so that I can give to others. I cannot sit on my blessings, content to live my own life. There is a whole world out there who has never heard of Jesus. There is a whole world waiting to hear. There is a world of children, helpless, waiting for love. How can I sit still?
God commanded me to go, so willingly I go!
