Hey! My name is Kayla. I'm 17 years old and from Beaverton, Oregon, which is just outside of the city of Portland. I love it here - even though it really does rain about 8 months of the year :) I have been blessed with a wonderful family and have an older sister, Karissa (19) and a younger brother, Joshua (13). I am excited to be a Freshman at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon next fall and major in Biblical studies and, well, something else :) (possibly education or psychology). All I know at this point is that my passion is with ministry and children/youth. I work as a nanny 6 days out of the week for a few hours and absolutely love it!

I love people. I enjoy going on spontaneous adventures, singing, playing the guitar (although I'm still learning), photography, traveling, and laughing. I have also enjoyed sports - I've played volleyball, soccer, basketball, and ran long distance for track. I also really enjoy writing and sitting down with a good book. But, without question, my most favorite thing to do is spend time with friends :). Uganda will be my third missions trip. I went to Slidell, LA for Katrina relief 3 years ago, and last spring I went to Ensenada, Mexico with my youth group and worked at an orphanage. Both trips have been a huge part of God shaping me to who I am today and growing my passion for ministry. 

These last couple of years have had their fair share of difficult times, but it has been a real blessing as they've presented numerous opportunities to grow as a person and in my relationship with God. A verse I've been learning much about lately is: "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Isn't it so incredible that God would choose us in our weaknesses to be made strong and used by Him? Talk about a Love and Grace beyond what we can ever fully comprehend!

About 5 years ago, God started putting missions deeply on my heart - actually specifically to the Uganda area. So, after a long while of waiting and praying, I am yet again amazed at how God always works everything out in His perfect timing. I am so excited about this trip!! I can't wait to meet all of you in person and see how God is going to use us as a team in Uganda! I am praying for every one of you!

"Do everything in love." -1 Corinthians 16:14

In Him,

 

Kayla :)