Growing up in a Christian family, with a Christian heritage, I knew the Bible well. Every time the church was open, our family seemed to be there. But it meant nothing to me personally. In February of 1991, I heard an episode of Focus on the Family's radio drama, Adventures in Odyssey ("Someone to Watch Over Me" is still a favorite to this day). In it, the main character had a near experience with death. I realized that was I that character, faced with death, I would have to be judged as unworthy to enter heaven. All I had heard over the years became clear, and I accepted the free gift of salvation.

In 1993, when I was almost 12, our family moved from Illinois to Wisconsin and being thrust into a new home, new location with new friends was overwhelming to me. I struggled through the year, trying to understand why everything had happened. God showed me that all my hopes, dreams, plans, thoughts, every inch of my life needed to be His in order for Him to work His greatest plans. It was either all or nothing. In the words of Jim Elliot, ""His first command is that He alone secure my affections. Nothing tangible can be held dear besides Him. Such a command thrusts me into a walk of faith, following a God, praying to a Father, sacrificing for a Lover I cannot see." This is my daily prayer.

A listener. Good sense of humor. A server. Patient.

From another friend -- generous. Loyal. Authentic.

Children. I love, love, LOVE cuddly newborns, entergetic toddlers, curious 8 year olds, pre-teens searching for meaning to life, and all in between. I love joining their worlds, learning what they enjoy, sharing the love and hope of Christ, and just plain having fun.

I'm also passionate about photography, and would love to pursue that in a semi-professional way. There's something irresistably drawing in attempting to capture every day life thru a camera lens.

I've never had a relationship with a young man, beyond friendship, although there has been a couple inquiries.

I work as a nanny, Moday-Friday, and babysit frequently in the evenings. There are two familes: the S. Family with a 3.5 yr old boy, 1.5 yr old boy, and a 11 week old girl; and the J. Family with a 2.5 yr old boy.  I am also studying to become a doula and hope to be completely certified by December  2010. I completed the postpartum section in June 2009, and am currently studying the birth manuals.

Get married. Raise 12 children. They are cheaper by the dozen after all.

Visit every European country. Publish a book.

Become more like Christ.

Between work and study, there's not too much free time. But when I do have those moments, I like to venture outdoors (walking, jogging, biking), visit bookstores and coffee shops, catch up on e-mails and phone calls, watch a few favorite TV shows online, dream of traveling, and once in a grand awhile, visit a friend. Usually that only happens in Texas, my second home of sorts.

I also have a kitty companion in my little apartment -- Mama, a two year old black/white Maine Coon. We like to read together, talk, and I like to brush her, but she hates it. Prefers game time. And watching me cook.

Life is a grand adventure! Always full, always unpredictable. The Lord is my strength and my guide, and I praise Him for ALWAYS meeting my needs.

I live about three hours from my wonderfully crazy family -- parents, four younger siblings, and paternal grandma. Timothy (25) has been a year to Lydia (20), and on Aug 11 they had Titus Liam Micah. I'm so thrilled to finally be a REAL aunt!!  Shelley (22), Mark (15) and Ryan (13) make up the remaining bunch. Family also consists of Bryows (cat), Lucy (gerbil) and a handful of ducks and chilckens being raised by Ryan.

I don't mind relocating at all. A warmer climate would be nice, but not mandatory. For now, home is a cute studio apartment.