12p0601afx - Hey!

Hey! I'm Amanda Vallance. I'm 20 years old (for 5 more days... my birthday is May 4!) I'm from Farmington Hills, Michigan, which is pretty close to Detroit. I'm really passionate about Detroit and rebuilding it through God and for Him. My church is involved in a lot of outreach programs there and it has been awesome to see how God is changing the city for His glory. I go to Central Michigan University. I'm studying Communication Disorders for undergrad and am going to get my masters in Speech Pathology in another year or so. I work on campus at the alumni house, calling alumni for donations and updating them about campus. It's a weird job, but I really like the people I work with and I love talking to new and interesting people. I'm really into running, biking, and snowboarding (when there is actual snow). I am actually horrible at sports and ridiculously uncoordinated, so I tend to stick with individual activities. I love to be around people and being with my friends and family makes me the happiest person. One of my favorite things is just catching up with people over a latte or cup of tea. I love msuic and going to concerts, my favorite artists are Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

My likes include: sunny days, good books, travelling, family, seeing God work in amazing ways, Chicago & NYC, new friends, frozen yogurt, and re-discovering God's grace day after day. Dislikes include: Michigan weather, hypocrisy, tomatoes, injustice, and anybody feeling unloved.
My last mission trip was four years ago: I lived in Natal, Brazil for a summer with a missionary family. We worked in several villages around us and in a local orphanage. It was a life-changing experience and Brazil will always hold a special place in my heart. This summer was actually a toss-up between going back there or heading somewhere new. But God placed this trip on my heart and I can't wait to see how He is going to use this trip to change our lives and the lives of others through us.
Honestly, this trip freaks me out the majority of the time. It is so incredibly out of my comfort zone. But I am completely sure of the fact that this is where God wants me and that He has big plans for my summer. I've been praying a ton about this trip and that God will work in my heart to make me ready for the Kingdom work He has set out for me. I can't wait to meet everyone and get to know you all as we get to share a summer of serving an amazing God.