As a Nashville girl navigating her way through Cajun country, I am delighted with the Louisiana culture here in Lake Charles. Between the small but bustling quad on campus and the free Tuesday lunches at the Catholic center, McNeese State University is rich with opportunities to invite students into a relationship with the Lord.

For the greater part of my life thus far, I had viewed God as an indifferent but demanding Father, watching my every move and shaking his head in displeasure when I messed up. Catholicism was merely a task or a way of life, not a relationship. This mindset all changed at the end of my sophomore year when my eyes were opened to the thirst of Jesus Christ of Nazareth for my very soul. He blessed me with three amazing best friends who challenged me to a life of daily prayer and daily mass. As I worked in my internship as an elementary school social worker, I began to see holes in these students' lives that no amount of therapy or good influences could change. These students did not truly believe their lives had meaning, value, or purpose. How could I prove this was true without introducing them to the Eternal and Merciful Father? As a missionary, I now have the freedom to invite others into a relationship with Him, this God who created the Grand Canyons and still sees us as His most prized creation! My life has been transformed by Jesus and I want nothing more than to bring this joy to others and introduce them to the life-changing message of the Gospel. I look to Jesus’ own example to find the best method of reaching the world. I've been constantly amazed by the different souls I've encountered on campus. Where is the Lord calling you to live this mission with Him?

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. 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 would love to share details about this ministry. I'd be honored to live this mission with you.