I am blessed to begin my journey with FOCUS at the University of Northern Iowa! Go Panthers!

My journey with the Lord begins at my home in Lincoln, Nebraska. I was born into a loving, Catholic family and was blessed to receive a Catholic education all the way up until college. For as long as I can remember, my faith has been central to my life, made especially easy since my parish and grade school were right next door! Jesus captured my heart very early on (oh the joy that filled me on the day of my First Holy Communion) and has slowly invited me since then to give my life to Him.

Entering into high school I became especially aware of what my life could look like without the Lord. Freshman year confused everything I thought I knew about myself and as many young people do, I tried my hardest to find something to place my identity in. Sports, academics, the arts, friendships… I turned to everything I possibly could to tell me who I was, yet came away empty and feeling unknown each and every time. I had a conscious ache on my heart for authentic friendship and I remember having moments where I was convinced that no one would ever truly know me. It was in these moments of deep loneliness that I would find myself in my high school’s chapel, in the silence with just the Lord and my own thoughts. And it was there and through encounters with Him in the Eucharist throughout my time in high school, that the Lord showed me otherwise, that I could be known, that He knows me better than I know myself.

– Psalm 139:13-14

Those four years in high school led me to another four wonderful years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I was poured into and formed into a disciple of Christ. It was there that I found for the first time, a community of people that desired to know me and love me as Christ does. It was also the first time I was sent out on mission to share the gospel with others and walk with them in their relationship with the Lord.

With joy, I have been able to share with others these three things the Lord has shared with me:

Authentic friendship is possible. All things flow from Christ and when friendship is centered on Him, people can come to know our hearts in small ways that the Lord does. Life and joy is found in community.

There is no where we can hide from Him, there is nothing we can do to exclude ourselves from His mercy. His pursuit is endless, as Salvation History makes abundantly clear. Our lives, with Him, are beautiful love stories.

We are called to live each day in the reality of the Resurrection! This truth should radically transform our lives and it is our job as Christians to invite others into this. Everyone needs and desires a Savior and we are all called to BOLDLY share Him with everyone!

I hope to continue sharing these truths and walking with students each and every day in my next years as a FOCUS Missionary!

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me during my time serving on campus. It’s only through this generosity that I am able to minister full time to the wonderful women that the Lord has placed in my life. If you are interested in partnering with me, please reach out and let me know of the best way to reach you so we can schedule an appointment. It would be an honor and a blessing to share this mission with you!