Following Jesus means...

My hometown: Erie, Pennslyvania

As I wrap up 2013, I can't believe how many changes have happened in one year.  From accepting the job with VisionTrust, to leaving my part-time jobs, to fundraising for my job, to moving out of my house and renting it and then moving across the country from Pennsylvania to Colorado, I'm so thankful for accepting the changes as a step towards a different future.  At times, the change seemed overwhelming, but God may ask us to make easy changes, or more challenging ones.  I often think of Job's comment in the midst of difficultly, "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10).  Following God and doing what he asks is the essence of our Christian faith.  We walk by faith and not by sight. It's a tough one to live out consistently, but knowing that the God of the universe is guiding us, what better way is there?

^"After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'"  John 6:66-68

From the mountains of Austria to the mountains of Colorado

It's hard to believe that I've moved away from the town that I lived in for most of my life.  I really enjoyed Erie, Pennsylvania for the beautiful change of seasons, the peninsula, the ability to travel to any nearby city in just a few hours and, of course, being close to family.  Now that I live in the mountains of Colorado, I miss them more than ever, but also know that I took the right road to get here. 

So what's it like living in the mountains of Colorado?  Well, Colorado Springs is medium-sized military city.  Lots of churches, plenty to do outdoors, and a bit of history in Old Colorado City.  I've just scratched the surface of the town and am ready to explore more.  I've enjoyed the few hikes that I've taken and I went on my first bike ride yesterday.  Just loved being outside on a sunny and 60 degree December day.  And it was tougher than I imagined.  Not just the hills, but the difference in altitude.  Maybe this will boost my endurance, so that when I go home, I'll look like a champ!  (Yes, I have a competitive side =>) 

As for work...I love, love, what I do.  I get to use my business and marketing skills to help share the gospel with some of the neediest kids around the world.  Already, I've had a chance to meet some of our in-country local directors.  When I met our director of Zimbabwe, I was blown away by his heart for the 3,000 kids there.  It pained him not to be able to feed all of them.  And me, too.  This is why I do what I do.  To help love, thank, and find new donors who want to change a child's life for Jesus.