HI! My name is Katie and I am 33 years old. I grew up in Grand Rapids, MN with my parents and three younger sisters. I graduated from the University of North Dakota where I received a double degree in early childhood and elementary education. I knew that I wanted to be close enough to home so that on weekends I could travel back if it was necessary or for any random spur-of-the-moment weekend plans. Yet over the years at school, I found myself staying in Grand Forks because of the community there and the wonderful church that I had come to call home. Looking back, I can see God’s hands all over that decision. God provided me with a wonderful college ministry and an uplifting church to be a part of. I met people who were running after the Lord and truly pursuing a relationship with Him. These people displayed community. I also learned from working as a counselor at a Christian camp over the years who Jesus was, and that made me want to seek Him more.
When I transitioned into the years of teaching and out of college I slowly began finding community again back at home. It looked different, yet it was still the same. People who loved Jesus. These people are now some of my closest friends. They have impacted me and helped shape me into who I am today. Each child I have interacted with, whether at camp during the summers or at work during the school years, have also made a lasting imprint on how I react and respond to others.
The summers during college and teaching were the years I also filled with camp counseling. I would do camp counseling in a heartbeat. It teaches so much about who Jesus is and who we are as a human race. It equips each staff for roles further in life as well as each camper to know they are valued and loved, especially by Jesus! I’ve served about five summers. Those summers have set a foundation for many areas of life and it sets my focus off of me and the world and onto Jesus and His heart!
So, who am I? My name is Katie, and I LOVE Jesus! I am currently living in my hometown with my parents and younger sisters and our dog, Chili. I have a heart for adventure and for kids. I love being outdoors and exploring new places. Some of my hobbies include babysitting, baking, making art, taking photos, hiking, camping, and just being active. I enjoy spending time with others outdoors and am usually up for trying new things, even if it is a fear to overcome (like heights). Here are some random facts about me:
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I love Camp ministry: people, life, activities, and seeing how Jesus moves are all beautiful things to me.
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Lime green is my favorite color
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I love to take weekend adventures with new people.
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I love 3-5-year-olds and their interests and excitement over life.
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I really love camping for weeks on end in my hammock.
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I love writing letters or Christmas cards — it brightens my day when people receive snail mail!
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I don’t like sitting around doing anything, I’d rather be moving! Ask my sisters.
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I took three years of sign language
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Sunrises are a must-see! They are even better when shared.
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I don’t like movies or TV.
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I love my dog!
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Running through the rain is a wondrous thing.
So that is a little bit about me. I can’t wait to see how God uses the World Race to impact not only the lives of people we serve but the lives of my teammates and me, our families, friends, and supporters. WOOHOO!! What a great opportunity to shine for Jesus and grow in Him in ways I cannot even imagine!
