Where to start? My name is Rachel and I’m 21 years old, but I’ll be 22 by this summer. I’m guessing I’m an older member since a few others guessed younger…

Right now I am living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide-you have to say it) but I grew up and still call home a small community in south Alabama known as Skipperville.

I am currently in school at the University of Alabama getting my Master of Social Work. I graduated in December with a degree in social work and decided to just keep going while I was here. Everyone always wants to know who I want to work with when I finish school, but I still haven’t decided. I hope to do a little bit of everything. I remember reading a team member’s blog that said they hadn’t decided on a major…you should definitely consider social work. :)

I love to read and watch movies; I’m not picky about either. 

I love taking weekend road trips and visiting new places. And I love being outdoors and sharing meals with friends and family.

Facts:

I am a fairly quiet person, mostly because I’m listening and taking everything in, and I tend to be somewhat shy at first.

I hate coconut anything.

I never thought about going to Thailand before I saw this trip.

This is my first blog post ever and it’s harder than I thought.

I am very close to all of my family members and they inspire me everyday.

I secretly wish I was a photographer and could play a musical instrument.

I love old movies, and Cary Grant.

I have been on mission trips to Costa Rica and Jamaica, both to work with children in orphanages or rural communities. These trips opened my eyes to the tragedy, beauty, and opportunity outside my small world.  I am very excited about this summer because I haven’t been on a mission trip since I began college and I miss it!

I am so excited about going to Thailand and spending the summer with all of you! I know it will be challenging and we all will grow in ways we can’t imagine.  And I think we will have fun doing it.

This picture (if it worked) is of me (left) and my brother and sister.