Once upon a time...

It all started in April of 2015 after having migrated from Wilmington, NC to Charlotte, NC for an internship with the local AHL hockey team. I was convinced at the time that I was going to work in sports, particularly Community Relations, and was looking for jobs across the country to pursue. Although Wilmington would forever hold an incredibly special place in my heart as my amazing college, beach town, there was no way I was moving back there. (HA. Spoiler: That didn’t quite work out like I thought…Thank goodness!)

My sweet friend, Ashley, had asked me to come back to Wilmington to visit for the weekend, and informed me that she had recently met some new friends who were planting a local church called 828 Church. She invited me, and I, of course, hesitated. Due to recent, tragic events, I had entertained the idea of church more, but it still was not something that I was committed to just yet. After all, that just wasn’t me.

Our first Sunday at 828, I found myself in the school cafeteria of Blair Elementary… bawling my eyes out because of the deeply impactful message that Pastor Ron Barnard shared. I left for Charlotte again that afternoon, but I could not shake the feeling that something was different about this church and place. Little did I know then, but only a few years later I would end up working for this church as that very same Pastor’s assistant, a communications coordinator, and would spend weeks upon weeks of my year in Southern Africa for mission trips. What? Not to mention, that very same day, I met Caleb; my now husband of three years, love of my life, and sweetest best friend. (Don’t worry. He doesn’t remember this interaction at all. Nor the next three times we were introduced. It’s fine. I’m fine.)

After an extremely hard summer following this first visit to 828, I gave my life to Christ and haven’t turned back! Every part of me has been so deeply and positively impacted for the best because of my relationship with Jesus, and I have followed His plans for me ever since!

Fast forward to the beginning of 2021, and after many sweet interactions, lots of prayer, and crazy favor that I could never deserve or earn without the Lord (and probably Ron Barnard), I was offered a U.S. administration position with The Zambia Project. (Learn more about it HERE!) It has been the delight of a lifetime being able to use my gifts and talents for such an amazing organization that I believe so much in what they do! Not only that, but this team is INCREDIBLE, and some of the best people I have had the joy of meeting.

The Zambia Project’s vision is to establish a life-giving church within walking distance of every person in the Western Province, and to uplift communities through programs such as water wells, children’s homes, bible translation, medical care, education, and HOPE. We personally sponsor two children in the Village of Hope School and Homes, and are always looking to utilize the provision that God has given us to further support the many incredible projects happening constantly.

So, there you have it! That’s how my journey so far, and I am so excited to see where God will take it next!

After all, the best is yet to come!