Hey guys. So, I'm Nikki. I'm 20 years old and live in Springfield, MO. I was born and raised here and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I'm definitely a home-body. I love spending time with my family, which is nice because they all live around here. I'm blessed to be so close to them! Lots of people think we are wierd because we are all so close. But we don't care. We love each other and just like to show it!!

Lets see...here's a little bit about me..

-I work at a daycare and teach 2yr olds all day. It's defintiely a tiring and stressful job. People always say how I must have it so easy becuase I get to play with kids all day, but then I tell them to try it for a day and they'll think different! There's 14 kids in my class, so my stress level is always very high. But it has it's moments that help remind me how sweet the kids actually are. And that makes my heart smile :)

-I absolutely love playing the guitar and drums and piano, ya know, anything musical really.. haha :) My whole family is very talented and musical. I'm thankful that I was blessed with that quality as well. Music is my escape for reality and really helps me clear my head. It's also my favorite way to connect with Jesus :) Worship is the best thing ever!

-I'm a youth leader at my church. It's so amazing to see how God works and grows through my kids. Our goal is to have 1200 in 2012 and God is already showing his glory in that vision! We've reached our 10% mark and have about 200 youth show up every week for service. It blows my mind to see how many kids are ready for their friends to know Jesus. We are going to take our city for Christ!

-I've been on missions trips before but never one like this. My family used to take groups to Mexico to a children's home that we are friends with down there. But after a while, it turned into us just going for a visit. The missions part seemed to slowly fade. That's why I'm soo excited for this trip! I've always wanted to go to Africa. I feel like God has put a longing in my heart to go there since I was a little kid. And now he's finally opened the door and given me an oppertunity to have this amazing experience! I can't wait to go with all of you guys and get to know you all this summer. I feel like God is going to do great things in us and through us. Can't wait to meet everybody!!