"Life isn't about the blessings that you receive but rather about what you do with them"-Mister Rogers.
Cool Past Experiences
1. Mentoring youth-in small group Bible studies, in one-on-one discipleship, at Camp Crestridge for Girls, at Disciple Now last year.
2. Those happy childhood moments with Mom, Daddy, Granny, Melissa, Matthew, Stephanie and the pups!!
3. Welcoming the stranger through international student ministry and volunteer ESL positions.
4. When I gave my life to Christ and was consumed by His holy fire, not to mention all of those things that fueled my faith such as YouthQuake Live.
5. Serving as a summer intern at Mission Centers of Houston in 2010. I found my life's mission statement with ministry to Spanish-speaking immigrant families-and lived in one room with 18 girls for nine weeks.
6. My student missionary service in rural Andian Peru. My mind constantly traces back to the tiny village of San Jose de Quero, the believers there, and those I shared the Gospel to while helping with their cows and teaching English in their school.
7. Last year's adventure when I interned with Orphan's Heart at the Colonia Infantil of San Juan, Guatemala the past summer. I think and pray about those malnourished children every day, and am planning a return trip this summer.
The Awesomeness of Now
8. The day God told me in Peru that I was going to marry Andy and the day I agreed to do so on September 27, 2013. Andy, (other than Jesus!!!) you're all I need. I like you and I love you :)
9. I adore my English as a Second Language students. Twice a week for three hours each class, I teach Mexican farmers how to read and write, teach a Cuban refugee how to ask for directions to the store, and listen to a saddened Venezuelan woman speak of how her father was robbed during all of the corruption going on now. I cheer with them and for them through every step of the way, all while introducing them to a new culture, language and life. I also get to use my Spanish quite often. These friends are the highlight of my week-and I get paid to do this?!?! Whaaaat?
10. My pals Yu-Ting and Mia. I love you!! I love hanging out with you and talking about our men and eating kimchi/making dumplings and talking about life and TOEFL!
11. Rooming with my sister/best friend Melissa this past year has meant that we have spent almost every night staying up past midnight and giggling, goofing off and just being silly sisters bahahaha!! You are the bestest.
12. Being a new Spanish teacher has NOT been easy, but now at the end of the year I can say that when I come home after speaking to my students in nearly no English and the students UNDERSTAND, or when I overhear them talking to each other in Spanish for fun, it makes it all worth it. :)
In the Future, I Wanna....
13. Keep teaching English as a Second Language. This is the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I do.
14. Lead an international student campus ministry with Andy's support and academic role.
15. Work for an immigrant/refugee ministry or charity.
16. Obviously be a fantastic, loving wife to Andy!!
17. Get my Master's degree in either English as a Second Language Teaching or Spanish.
18. Lead a Bible study for youth with Andy.
19. Go backpacking through Europe for a minimum of two weeks.
20. See at least five more countries in Latin America.
21. Have and adopt children and be a loving mama!
22. Learn to cook more yummy things!
