Testimony from my Harvest School Application

My family life has been a picture of the hand of God and I thank Him every day for this blessing. My relationship with my father has made me confident, secure and has helped me establish my identity as a child knowing I was dearly loved. I look to him as an example of the kind of man I want to marry. My mother and I are very close and I talk to her about anything. I respect her very much and she amazes me with the way she loves and tirelessly gives. I have 4 brothers whom I love dearly and are very fun to live with.

My childhood and teenage years speak of God's grace. I went to public school from kindergarten to 6th grade. Then my parents followed the Lord's leading and decided to home-school me from 7th grade through high school. This time in my life was so precious. God used it to grow me and keep me in the secret place, and show me who He is. I grew more in these 6 years than I had ever before. I was free to discover who He has made me to be as all my passions came alive and I sought His face.

At 16 I traveled to North Carolina with my youth group to attend a gathering called The Ramp. One night during this gathering is a night I will never forget. It was the night of my awakening. Jesus called my name and invited me on the adventure of the lifetime, and marked me with His purity. I remember being surrounded by people in worship and I closed my eyes. I don't remember how long I had them closed, but when I opened them, all the people that were around me had moved around and left me in sort of my own space. God said "I cleared a space for you to dance with me." After He said that, I began to dance and finally ended up on the floor overwhelmed. The session had long ended but I was glued to the floor drowning in His love. I responded to His invitation to come away and after this experience I have never been the same. I have pledged my entire life to serve Him faithfully as my Master and Husband.

After Jesus encountered me His word came alive to me and all I wanted to do was pray in my room or in small groups with people and read the Bible. I gained so much knowledge and wisdom. I joined a dance team and began singing and writing songs.

It has been 5 years and I love Jesus more than anything, He is my life, strength, and my very breath. I am entirely His as long as I live. I know I'm called to be a pilgrim. He told me I don't need college for what I'm called to do. I'm embracing a life of adventure and unknown to venture wherever His heart leads me. No blueprints, no maps, no long-term plans. It's daunting but I wouldn't have it any other way. As long as my heart stays tender and alive I will live anywhere and do anything.