My faith in my own words:
I am my Father's daughter. That's it. Jesus is my older brother and the Holy Spirit indwells and leads me. I am secure in my identity being who I am, not in what I do (employment or ministry). Not that ministry doesn't matter, but I believe that a heart that is fully coming alive, will have life come from it. I love the grace of God and I embrace my weakness---it shows me my need for him. I've experienced God's comfort in the low places and I love to use all of life experiences to express the faithfulness of God to others and bring hope and release faith.

What I enjoy doing in my free time:
Drinking coffee. Connecting with good friends. I have several who either live long distance in the states or overseas (including my sister). It's common for me to phone or FaceTime them regularly. Reading. Enjoying a good movie or Netflix series. Visiting friends and family overseas when I'm able to. Networking. Making my whole life about finding God in the simple things. Enjoying the moment. Writing. Sometimes listening to music. Looking at the stars. Nature with a glass of wine (or coffee). If you say "coffee, friendship, international," in the same sentence, I'm there! =). I like talking about personality types (Myers briggs), love languages, etc. I think it's because I'm so relational and they are tools to help with understanding one another and communicating more effectively. I'm a relational introvert. This just means I'm super loyal to the friends who I am invested in (and seem extroverted to them because I'm so at home with them). But I don't spread myself too thin relationally, though I don't mind meeting people here and there, I don't have hundreds of casual relationships. I must have my recharging time =)

My favorite book(s) and why:
I love Christian fiction. I love a good story that I can't (or don't want) to put down. I like books by John and Stasi Eldredge. Biographies.

My favorite places to go:
Where there's food =)
Beautiful parks. A nice walk. Close friends' homes.
A good road (or plane trip). I loved Finland, New Zealand, and I go to Costa Rica atleast once every couple of years. Coffee shops.

What I am most passionate about in life:
Becoming more like Jesus. Knowing more and more who I am as my Father's daughter. Identity. Using every experience as a teaching moment. Suffering, grief, pain, endurance--I ask God constantly to show me who he is in it and then let me be a conduit of his love---let the comfort I receive be the comfort I give to others. Hope!

My current occupation or what I do:
I am currently self-employed. I have a house-cleaning business that keeps me busy but not too busy I don't enjoy life. I set my own days and hours.
I also just became a Mary Kay consultant.

My close friends would say my greatest strengths are:
Well, I asked them! These were their responses:
Listening ~ Encouragement~ observant with details~fun~I know myself~wise~perceptive~connector/networker~merciful~team builder~cross pollinator~empathetic~gracious~sense of humor~compassionate~mother's heart (nurturing heart)~loyal friend~relational~good communicator
I have some great friends, ha ha!

Who has had the greatest influence in my life and why:
Why must it be narrowed down?
Every youth leader that spoke identity and gave me a sense of self worth as a teen. My mom, who prayed with me and modeled endurance and grace. Friends in college who saw "freedom" in my future before I could see it. Many people who through the years prayed for me, prophesied God's heart over me. Ministries I was involved in. In every season, I've had influences.