A bit about me...
Hi! Here's a little bit about who I am and what I'm about. I am a recent graduate of Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. I earned my B.A. in Bible and Intercultural Studies and my Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. At CIU, I enjoyed taking many courses on the Bible, Theology, and TEFL, and was also able to take two semesters of Intensive Russian Grammar classes.
During my three years at CIU, I was a part of Young Life Club Beyond, a ministry to military kids in middle and high school. Leading with Young Life taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and building relationships. Some of the girls I've met through Young Life have become my best friends. I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to lead Bible studies for middle and high school girls. My hope for this time in Ukraine is that I can meet teenagers through English tutoring with whom I can share the truth of Jesus Christ.
During my three years at CIU, I was a part of Young Life Club Beyond, a ministry to military kids in middle and high school. Leading with Young Life taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and building relationships. Some of the girls I've met through Young Life have become my best friends. I greatly enjoyed having the opportunity to lead Bible studies for middle and high school girls. My hope for this time in Ukraine is that I can meet teenagers through English tutoring with whom I can share the truth of Jesus Christ.
This summer...
This summer, I had the great opportunity to intern in Odessa, Ukraine with missionaries from The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM). I taught English at a local day camp for kids in 1st-5th grades. Also, I met with a teacher from a local school for private English tutoring. I had the opportunity to continue studying Russian with a tutor and language helpers. This internship was such a great opportunity for me to learn more about teaching ESL, but also served as a vision trip to see where the Lord would have me serve in the future. Over the years, the Lord's been leading me to serve Him in the former Soviet Union, specifically in Russia and Ukraine. I enjoyed the opportunity this summer to see what life and ministry look like in Ukraine and catch a vision for where the Lord would have me in the future.
This School Year...
This school year, I will be teaching English at a school in Odessa, Ukraine. One of the schools where I taught this summer for my internship asked me to stay on and teach English this year! It was so unexpected and is a very exciting opportunity to not only grow in teaching, but also to share the Gospel with my coworkers, students and their families, and others in the community. I'm so excited to see what the Lord does in Odessa this year! I will be in Odessa from October 2012- June 2013. If you'd like to keep up with me this year, check back to the blog every week or so. Thanks for your support and prayers as I go out to serve the Lord in Odessa, Ukraine again this year!