Why you felt or feel called to CPYR: Three years ago the Lord woke me up at 4:00 AM telling me to turn on the radio. Though I wish I could write my incredible obedience, alas it’s not true. After reminding the Lord how early it was I finally agreed. That morning was Kim’s first interview with Dr. Dobson on Focus on the Family’s radio broadcast. After crying through the broadcast, I made up my mind to order Hope Rising that morning. Reading about God’s remarkable work of healing in Oregon shot rays of hope into my life. Suddenly the phrase “I want to use horses to teach kids about Jesus” I had said countless times over the past few years did not seem so impossible. I knew somehow I had to be a part of God’s work at Crystal Peaks. However, if you had told me then that I would join staff three years later, I might have fainted dead away! But, this summer when I set foot on the property as an intern, I knew I was home. Not even wild horses could drag me from these people I knew would become family!
Area of Ministry on the ranch (what you do on a daily basis): Though each day does vary, mostly I train horses, teach lessons, and work in the office. Training horses mirrors God’s life training for me. As I work with these magnificent creatures I learn volumes about the areas in my own life that need improvement like confidence and patience. Working in the office continues to give me perspective because I am privileged to respond to e-mails sent from all over the world. The chance to reach across continents with love all done from a tiny office on a 9 acre ranch is a miracle in and of itself. And then of course there are the kids. Priceless treasures that walk through our gates each day continue to shower us with blessings. A hug from a grateful child is all I need to make my day.
Favorite thing about Crystal Peaks or being here: Home. The ranch feels like home and has felt this way from the first week I set foot on the property. Being at Crystal Peaks is synonymous with security. I never go through a day at the ranch questioning whether I am loved. In fact, the ranch staff loved me before they ever knew me!! Unconditional love is stunning and when it is received freely it can be returned freely. Passing on the love I have been given brings me immeasurable joy!
What do you do in your free time: I love to spend quality time with friends, watch movies, read, organize, and cross stitch. Of course riding horses is ALWAYS on the list. But mostly, I have learned to take advantage of free time by resting up for the next thing God has around the corner for me to do.
Favorite Ice Cream: If it involves chocolate and peanut butter or toffee you’ve stolen my heart!
Likes (what do you like in life, food, movies, ect.): Sunsets are my favorite time of day. There is something about light on clouds that captivates me. I also love to write because organizing my thoughts on paper helps me see life clearer. If we’re talking food, I love Mexican or American or Italian the most! And when it comes to movies I love everything from Sound of Music to Twister!
One unique/funny fact about yourself: I love squirrels. They may be one of the funniest creatures on the planet! It’s a tiny creature with enormous problems. And I must confess that at my most frustrating or humorous moments it is squirrel noises that seem to come out of my mouth. My current roommate really enjoys putting obstacles in my way so that I’ll “do the squirrel noise!”