Q: What did you want to be when you were little — and do you think you still might?
A: I dreamed of becoming a nurse or a teacher. Looking at where life has taken me, I think it’s safe to say that chapter may stay unwritten — and I’m at peace with that.
Q: What characteristics do you struggle with in yourself?
A: Plenty. I often forget people’s names and how we met. It humbles me — and frustrates me — all at once.
Q: What was the last film that truly moved, disturbed, or thrilled you — and why?
A: Not Without My Daughter. It reminded me how deeply people can change — and how fiercely love can fight back.
Q: If you could witness any event — past, present, or future — what would it be?
A: I would give anything to see my parents again, even if only for a few minutes.
Q: What advice would you give to your 13-year-old self?
A: Hold on.
The storm you are walking through will try to convince you you’re alone, forgotten, and broken beyond repair.
But you are not.
There is a future waiting for you — a future that will demand every ounce of your courage, but will also reward you with purpose you cannot yet imagine.
Grieve when you must. Cry when needed.
But never, ever surrender your heart to despair.
God is not absent, even when you feel abandoned.
You will rise, and you will carry others with you.
Beauty for Ashes 
I was hoping you had written a book! I found your brief story in an old Daily Bread page I had ripped out and saved. I would love to read the whole story from your childhood and how you got to where you are now. How did you overcome the trauma of losing so many of your family members and members of your community. I think you should think about writing a book! Thanks for being a Jesus follower too!
Hi Vicki, thank you so much for this comment, and for finding my blog. It’s definitely on my list of things to do, to write a book. I’ll keep you posted when that happens I promise