I definitely had a blessed childhood.  I was your quintessential "American Dream" kid: lawyer dad, stay-at-home mom, big house with a swing set in the backyard, etc.  My parents were (and still are) great.  They provided my brother, sister and I with everything we needed, never fought, challenged us to do well in school, and spent so much time playing with us and loving us.

When I was twelve years old, my parents got divorced.  It wasn't an ugly divorce, in fact, it was sudden, unexpected, and without explanation, but nonetheless it turned my life around, whether I chose to show it or not. 

I was an awkward 6^th grader; insecure, ashamed of my situation, and with no one to turn to.  I wanted to turn to God, but I didn't know how.  I can remember sitting on my bedroom floor, crying silently and trying to read Genesis because I didn't know what else to do.

Around the same time, upon entering middle school, I also entered junior high youth group.  As always, Abba's timing was perfect.  Just weeks after the news that I thought had ruined my life forever, I went on my first church retreat.  This was where I experienced God's rich presence and love for the first time in my life.  One night during the retreat, my youth pastor invited us to serve one another by washing feet.  This confused me and I was really uncomfortable; I didn't feel worthy of that much attention from someone.  But as one of the leaders knelt down before me and performed that act of selfless service, I experienced God's intimacy.  I realized that God, who created the universe in record time, the same God who appeared before Moses, the one who was with Daniel in the lion's den, knew me and loved me.  He cared about me enough to show me that I was loved and worthy in the most insecure time of my life.  I felt Jesus tugging at my heart, and right then I invited Him in to stay.

That was about seven or so years ago, and since then it has been like a rollercoaster.  I've certainly strayed away from God, and even turned my back on Him, so many times.  When I entered high school, choosing between what I knew in my heart was right and doing what was popular was sometimes a very difficult choice for me, and I've no doubt done some things that I'm really not proud of.  But, Abba is always faithful.  When I go astray, He comes after me and carries me back in His arms.  When pride or competitiveness gets the best of me, He humbles me.  And when I am lonely, tired, distressed or scared, He is there to comfort me.  Every time.

In Matthew, Jesus says, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

About two years ago, I rededicated my whole self to Jesus, and since then I've been learning how to give up my life for Him.  I know that God created me exactly the way I am for a distinct purpose, and I'm still waiting and asking God to reveal that to me.  I am ready, willing and excited to follow the Spirit wherever He leads me on the Immersion trip and throughout the rest of my life!

"Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told!" Habakkuk 1.5