- Tell us something fun about yourself that is not in your author bio.
I love art, beautiful things, and being creative. I will be hitting that mid-life milestone of 40 in a couple of years, and I am currently finishing a second bachelor’s degree. I have decided after this degree is completed, I am no longer going to focus on practical learning, but will focus on things I am passionate about, which means devoting more time to writing and the creative process.
- What’s one thing you miss from North America when you are on the field, and one thing you miss from the field when you are in North America?
Though there are many things I miss about the US, the first thing that comes to mind is the fact that food is so connected to daily life. Also, I lived in a small Central Asian city that had electricity only for a couple hours a day which meant no refrigeration. In the summer heat, I intensely missed cold beverages. I dreamed about cold beverages and was pretty sure all my problems could be solved by a bit of ice.
Back in North America, I miss nan. Freshly made bread smoked in tandoors, and bought warm and crisp from the street corner bakeries. Sometimes I buy it in North America, in a package, where it has been on the shelf for several days, traveled from who knows where…NOT the same.
- What do you think is the benefit of writing and sharing your story?
For me writing is therapy. It is a great way to process what is going on in my life; it helps me see things in a new light. As an avid reader, I have always gotten so much out of other people’s stories; I began to think…maybe people can connect with my own stories and laugh about their own lives as well as learn lessons. So in my writing I try to be honest and up front, hoping that people can connect and see glimpses of God through it.
- How do you create time/space in your life to write?
It depends on the project that I am working on. For the most part, I try to look at my week and carve out a couple of hours to sit down and write uninterrupted.
- Where besides Connection can our readers read your writing?
Mainly, I have written articles for Thrive so you can check out articles published there. I have also published articles for Journal of Christian Nursing, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, Kid’s Ark, and Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Did What? I hope to expand my writing in the future.
- What are you reading/listening to now? (especially something that is a helpful resource)
I have just finished a book called, Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places by Kate McCord. It is an excellent book and resource for workers like us. I also have recently read, In the Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron. Though I am not living in Central Asia now, I still like to travel there even if it is just via a book.
- What do you think is the best kept secret out there (in terms of an organization or resource that is useful to global workers)?
As a team we went through a book called, From Seed to Fruit, edited by J. Dudley Woodbury. It is an excellent resource to gleam knowledge from workers all over the world.
- Who (dead or alive) would you want as a mentor for life and ministry?
Beth Moore. I love her studies and her honesty. I think she has a great balance between having God use her and being able to cope with a busy ministry.
- If you could choose a kitchen utensil or appliance that best described YOU, what would you choose and why?
I would be a toaster. A toaster brings warmth and comfort to an average day, and can even make a stale piece of bread taste better. In the end, I want people to know it is relishing the small things that God brings our way that connect and bring greater purpose to our daily existence.
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