All of my life I have been searching for something deeper - something that gives life a true meaning.  I am an analytical realist and have to physically see and experience something myself to form my own conclusions and believe in it... just ask my parents about my teenage years. :)

Do you see a pattern here?  It was all about me.  I attended church for years and I just couldn't fathom depending on someone else, let alone surrendering my life to someone or something that I couldn't even see!  I am ashamed to say now but for a long time, I saw religion and faith as a misleading and confusing multi-level marketing scheme, although I so longed for that deep connection that I saw others have.  Clinging to my "realist" nature, I didn't want to force something that just wasn't clicking.  I continued to attend church at Watermark but always left with so many questions and doubts.

I attended a 3-day church retreat in September 2016 and something in me just changed.  I still had so many questions, but finding those answers didn't matter anymore.  I still had doubts but learned quickly that having doubts is okay.  My confusion finally turned into simplicity.  Proverbs 3:5-6 states "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." This was my answer.

The Holy Spirit entered my heart and filled the void that I had forever tried to satisfy.  It wasn't about me anymore. I became such a small piece of the puzzle and gave my life to Christ.  My life drastically altered as the Holy Spirit convicted me of so many things.  I was (and still am) a natural born sinner but I know that Christ died for my sins to give me eternal life.  Where is a better love story?

My then boyfriend and now husband, Stiles, and I accepted Christ on the same weekend.  We have grown so much both individually and as a couple over the last year and a half, and have a marriage built on the strongest foundation that you can find - Jesus.  We know that we aren't perfect and reveal new flaws in ourselves every day, but we want to share with others the happiness and peace we have found through Him.  We are so excited to travel to Ethiopia together on our first evangelical mission trip and greatly appreciate your prayers and support!