Hello! Ohhh goodness, despite my love for blogging, I never really do know where exactly to start. I am Stephanie! That seems like a good place. I currently reside in Michigan and I am a full time student and employee. I work at a real estate office and I am majoring in early childhood education and I am minoring in global missions and biblical studies. Essentially, I intend on getting my degree and then moving to Africa to teach and God-willingly, start a family. I absolutely love doing mission work. The feeling that I have while on the field is better than ANYTHING... Even being handed a million dollars (not that I know how that feels.. but I am sure that mission work is better!) I have a very clear understanding that my life is not my own and I have a passion that is burning to share the Gospel near and far, at any cost. My ultimate goal is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reflecting as much of His character as a sinful being can. *Takes deep breath* I get so worked up and passionate when I start talking about missions.. But let's move on.

I live at home with my mom, and two very new editions, my step-dad and step-brother. I do not pay rent but I do pay by doing dishes and helping keep the house up. I also pay for the majority of what I need to survive, but my mom does help me from time to time.

When I am not working, going to school, serving, and cleaning the house, I really do enjoy having fun.. I promise! I am a total outdoors diva (two words that probably should not be used in the same sentence.) I love rock climbing, hiking, going out on the lake, fishing, camping, bonfires, four wheeling, tennis, running, among many other activities. I am usually up to taking on any adventure and trying new and crazy things. This summer I went on tour with a non-profit organization and our team went rock climbing across the entire country!! It was one of the most amazing and challenging experiences ever. I also really enjoy art in any and every form. I especially enjoy dancing, writing, painting, photography and composing/performing music. I like being active and doing things that challenge and stretch me.

A lot of things I like go hand in hand with the activites I take part in. I also enjoy reading books that further my knowledge and my walk with God, spending time with friends and family, avacados, investing into the lives of teenagers, shopping, baking, cutting hair, dying my own hair a hundred different colors, going to conferences, really really-to the core-gives you chills-worship nights,TOMS shoes, being single, tea, sunrises, longboarding, thunderstorms, Colombia South America, autumn, soccer, laughing, praying, kids, concerts, animals, trying new things, piano, looking at stars, going on adventures, slurpees, mud, and the list goes on and on. I try to be positive and opimistic but some things that I cannot help disliking are  birds, garbage disposals, sneezing, meaningless lyrics, rude people, war, violence, slavery, being sick, cold hands, chemistry, static electricity, worms, blue cheese, coffee, hang nails, slurpee lids, poor grammar, stop signs hidden behind trees, alarm clocks, talking with your mouth full, cigerette smoke, and frozen vegetables.

I have taken two mission trips through YWAM with my church to Colombia, South America. I feel that it was on the first trip that God really confirmed that I was doing exactly what I was designed for. Last summer I also traveled with an organization called Live Offensively and I worked for a non-profit branch of theirs called Save The Storks. I went to music festivals across the entire country, witnessing to people from all over and embracing the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing: raising up a generation of world changers. I also do a lot of local missions in my own back yard. My church works in Detroit a lot, serving the homeless and the community. As much as I love being in the United States and serving here, I love serving in other countries the most... but really any chance that I have to be used, I snatch it up.

As far as this trip, man... Can I just say that I have been praying to have a chance to go to Africa for about five years. I have been praying, and God has said, "Not yet." Finally, this past summer, I knew that it was time and so I started looking into numerous organizations. I applied to a few trips that were either full or they conflicted with my schedule. I have followed a lot of the blogs on AIMs website and have had great friends travel through them so when I heard about the expeditions trip, I instantly began praying and felt compelled to apply... and here I am! Accepted and preparing for my feet to finally touch soil of the place that my heart is fondest for. I am excited to love, to experience miracles (I am going in this with a big faith), to be stretched, to embrace the culture, to create life long friendships, and most importantly to share the good news that His scarred hands were not only for me and you but EVERYONE. I am not nervous about much. I can say that I have been a tad bit stressed about finances in the days past but I am learning more and more that even the preparation requires a big faith, and as long as I continue working hard, I will see His provision. I read in a book recently this quote: "as long as God knew where I was, He could cause anybody in the world to help me. He could place my need on the heart of anyone anywhere." A big AMEN to that! I know that I am called to THIS trip for a reason and with that, I know that nothing will get in the way of the will of God. I guess overall I am only not looking forward to the shots but I would get 50 if it meant me going to Africa.

Well, I guess that is about it! I am so blessed to have this opportunity and I am beyond excited for training camp! I am fervently praying for each of you individually and if you ever need specific prayer, feel free to shoot me a comment on here, or a message on facebook! Take care, and don't forget to smile a lot and be thankful for this day!

P.s. I am crazy addicted to taking photos and being in them so I could not only upload one! SORRY! 

This is me (left) and one of my best friends climbing in South Dakota!! :)