After serving as a campus missionary for 4 years (2 at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and 2 at Black Hills State University), God has called me to serve the South Area as a Program Director for a 3rd year!  The South Area helps to lead the college campus teams and parish teams in ten states–Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Kentucky.   I am excited to serve in this new role for my 7th year with FOCUS, as it will allow me to stay close to the heart of our mission while I live out my vocation as wife and mother. 

The greatest gift my parents gave me (other than my life) was the gift of faith. I didn’t necessarily love this as a teenager, and I sought to rebel against the perceived restrictions as much as I could. However, they had taught me well, and with the stable truth that God loved me and could actually be trusted with everything, I kept returning to Him. Even in the midst of battling some darkness in high school, I just always knew I needed Him. As I prepared for college, I chose a school where I knew I could grow in my faith. At NDSU (#gobison), I was able to dive deeply into the richness of the Catholic faith, but in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Young people (what!?) were pouring their hearts out to the Lord and allowing Him to really direct their lives. My peers were choosing to attend daily Mass and share the faith with their friends and classmates. It seemed so strange, and yet, it was exactly what my little heart desired. It seemed like home. So, I started to live in this radical way, too. I began saying yes to what was offered to me. I attended retreats, FOCUS Conferences, my first FOCUS mission trip (it shook me), and I started making daily Mass a first priority. I grew close to the FOCUS missionaries and the other students who were living mission on campus, and I developed a desire to live mission alongside them. As I began leading my own Bible study and accompanying women in discipleship, something clicked — I had found what made my heart sing. I had fallen in love with Jesus and His mission. I wanted nothing more than to make my life a gift for Jesus and show others how to make their lives a gift.  I knew there was more that Jesus wanted of my life, so I applied for FOCUS to offer myself in service of the Kingdom for as long as He wanted. 

Years later, I am still offering myself in service of the Kingdom. I have grown immensely during these 5 years serving with FOCUS; my heart has softened, I’ve learned to love in a much purer and selfless way, and my heart has been broken countless times as I’ve encountered the poverty of my students and within myself. I am more convinced now than I was when I accepted an offer to serve with FOCUS that this ministry is essential. Accompanying women from the pits of hell (I’m not kidding) to fervent sacramental lives has shown me the reality of the spiritual battle within and all around us. It’s worth fighting for. You are worth fighting for. Each man and woman on the college campus is worth fighting for. I will continue to serve Jesus in whatever capacity He asks, because I love Him and still desire to offer myself as a gift.  

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely 100% on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. 5 years later, I’m still honored to be accompanied by a team of supporters! I’ve been blessed with the most amazing people who have journeyed with me as I serve on campus. If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know of the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. I’d be honored to share this mission with you.