Why you felt or feel called to Crystal Peaks: I have had a lifelong desire to work with horses, and have always loved kids. I read Hope Rising at a point in my life when I was searching and feeling lost. I immediately felt called to volunteer, but I put it off for almost a year, thinking I would never be able to go. Our gracious God opened the doors for me to come July 2006, and I am so blessed and humbled to be able to call this place home now.

Areas of Ministry on the Ranch (what you do on the ranch on a regular basis): I was a volunteer last summer doing anything and everything that was needed (and having a BLAST doing it!). Now I am helping to establish an online store to help spread the word about Crystal Peaks. I also am a leader at SAGE, participate in our Equine Training, work in the office, and next summer will be teaching riding lessons. I’m praying for Spanish-speaking kids to come next summer!

Favorite thing about CPYR or about being here: My favorite thing about Crystal Peaks is that the Lord is clearly the center of this place. He is the reason it exists and the reason we are all here. It is powerful to have so many different people joined together by that one common thread. This is a place of honesty, challenge, strengthening, growth, love and friendship.

I also love our horses. God is allowing me to learn things that I have only dreamed of learning. I am able to ride and work with horses now, something I thought I would never actually do.

What do you do in your free time: I drink coffee mostly (just kidding, sort of). I love to be outside! Hiking, swimming, playing in the snow, riding a horse, camping…it’s a good thing I live in central Oregon. And it’s a good thing all my “sisters” here at the ranch love to do those things with me! And of course, we always get coffee before our adventures!

Favorite Ice Cream: Any ice cream, with lots of chocolate. Seriously, it is an entire food group in my food pyramid!

Likes (what do you like in life, food, movies, etc.): I like observing…I like beautiful things like running horses, sparkling ocean water, rooms filled with worshipping voices, star-filled skies, sunsets over the Three Sisters, little kids hugging each other. I like laughing! I need time alone with my God.  I like intentional time with my friends. I like to travel, experiencing new places and meeting different people.  Good music feeds my soul. 

One unique/funny fact about yourself: I speak Spanish! !Yo hablo Espanol!