I got started in missions by planning to lead just one mission trip. That was 2003 and instead of ending there, I fell in love with missions and changed jobs. I am currently the director of Global Encounters. So far I’ve led mission teams in Romania, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Thailand, and several other locations in Southeast Asia, returning to most of those countries multiple times. While I absolutely love traveling to new countries, speaking Spanish, and sharing the gospel in far away places, my favorite part about traveling with mission teams is discipling the team members. I want to see every team member return home more in love with their Savior and more equipped for ministry than they were when they left home.

My ministry experience before the missions adventures began included children’s ministry since 1993 and family and teen ministry since 2000. In addition to traveling whenever possible, I also enjoy floral design, volleyball, scuba diving, working out, and interior decorating. I do not enjoy packing (yeah, bad combo with all that travel), unpacking (hmmm . . . same problem), or snakes (and God sends me to the jungle!).