Well hi! I'm Abby Stover, I currently live in central Illinois, and go to Illinois State University. My family lives about three hours north of here. I'm not a fan of cold weather, but making spontaneous snow angels and climbing trees in Autumn are some of the perks :). 

My family means the world to me. I'm the oldest of three, with a 17 year old sister (Megan) and a 14 year old brother (Asa). I couldn't ask for better siblings. My sister and I hope to do overseas ministry together one day and my brother has recently told us he wants to be a part of reaching the nations as well! I may be older, but they teach me so much about Jesus. My sisters selfless heart and my brother's compassion for others leave me feeling nothing short of blessed to be a part of their lives. 

Like I mentioned, I go to ISU. I'm finishing up my junior year as a social work major with an emphasis in women's studies. It's funny how I ended up majoring in social work because I had never even thought of it until sophomore year. I used to be a nursing major (and before that an education english, and yes, anthropology major...) but God gave me intense clarity about social work so.... here I am! I love being relational and I can't believe I can get a degree that lets you simply (well, not always simply) talk to people! I'm excited to graduate and use what He's taught me on the mission field. 

I work at a domestic violence shelter for women and children in town as a residential advocate where I answer the hotline, provide emotional support to the residents and help them work on their goals. Words don't describe how much I love them and love being there. Crisis intervention is very stressful at times, but God is SO faithful and I'm blown away by how He works in the women there. He's awesome :)

I also lead a group of high school freshman ladies through the youth ministry at the church, and those relationships have been awesome too! I've never met a more goofy bunch of girls and it gives me an excuse to embrace my goofiness too! This semester I also started leading a college small group going through Platt's book Radical together. After reading it last November, I got the opportunity to hear him at Passion 2011 and God confirmed that He wanted me to lead a group with the book. Honestly, it was all His idea... I felt so convicted after reading it I had no idea why I would be the person to lead! Thankfully He pulled me out of my doubt and my coleader and I have a beautiful family of people who are willing to walk beside us as we learn about how to radically abandon ourselves and live for Christ. 

So what about missions? I've been on a few mission trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Domican Republic, but God has always put Africa deep inside my heart. After trying to get there for a few years and it never working out, I was finally at peace to wait until I graduate and then go. Then, God asked me to start looking again. I had talked with a few organizations, met with a few recruiters, but when I saw the Expeditions trip, immediately I knew this was it. I haven't had any doubt since. I have loved the African people for so long I'm (to be quite honest) legitely still in shock that He's letting me go!! I may spontaneously combust on the plane there - so don't say I didn't warn you. Just saying.

Hmm... more details. Well, I love Jesus. And the color yellow, and reggae. Oh and being outside, preferably barefoot. I'm not a fan of small dogs and I have too many maps and plants in my apartment for my own good. I also love different cultures, hearing someone pray or worship in a different language will always bring tears to my eyes. I'm so excited to meet all of you - the kind of excitement that gives you goosebumps and makes you want to do a backflip and cry. I love you already, I'm so thankful that we're going on this journey together. 

Abby