I was raised in a Christian home. My parents both loved the Lord, and taught me and my younger sister and brother to do the same. I asked Jesus to be my Savior at 6 years old. At the age of twelve, as I was a camper at Camp LaVida, the Lord called me into missions. I accepted that call. I began to make plans to follow that plan. When I graduated high school, I went to North Greenville University, majoring in Christian Studies. My plan was to finish at NGU, and go to seminary to prepare for the mission field. I got side tracked during my sophomore year (I met a boy), changed my major to art, graduated early with an AA in Fine Arts, got married, settled into a job at Barnes & Noble, and became a momma. I was happy, but always felt the call to missions in my heart.
In 2014, my husband of 13 years, walked away from our family. I was crushed. I clung to God to anchor me during this time. He was my only sure footing. My relationship with the Lord became more intimate than it had ever been. He lavishly provided for me and my children through everything. He proved His faithfulness over and over again. During this time, I felt God leading me to help others who are hurting. He placed me back in college on a path to become a counselor.
One foggy February morning, I was driving to work at Barnes & Noble. It was a long drive, and I used that time to talk to God each day. This particular morning, God lovingly reminded me of all that He had done for me and how He had carried me through times that I could not have come through without Him. I felt like God was reminding me to trust Him. When I got to work that day, my boss let me know that my position at Barnes & Noble had been eliminated. I did not have a job. My reaction surprised even me. I was not sad, but happy and excited to see what the Lord had in store for me. As I left work that day, I asked the Him to reveal my next step. I prayed the whole way home. As I sat down to lunch at my kitchen table, God placed Hope Remains Ranch on my heart. I felt like He was calling me there. I contacted Melanie right away, and let her know I was interested in a position at the ranch. The only problem was… there was not a position available, but God kept reminding me that Hope Remains was where I was going. I prayed for five months for the Lord to make a place for me at Hope Remains Ranch. In July (just 1 week after my severance ran out!), I started my job at Hope Remains Ranch! I am so very excited to be here because I know without a doubt that this is the mission field that God has brought me to. He is so faithful!
Another fun fact… I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. Before my call to missions, I wanted to be a vet so I could work with animals, particularly horses. When God called me to the mission field, I gave up that dream because I thought that it did not fit with what God had called me to do. Little did I know, He gave me the love of horses for a purpose. I now get to serve Him and be around these beautiful creatures every day! I love to see how God has used even the small details in my life to fulfill His purpose!