My name is Kirsten Vlasic (yes, like the pickles). I'm 18 years old and from Tipp City, Ohio with my parents. I have a brother who is 11 years older than me and lives in Atlanta with his wife.

I just graduated High school and have no idea where I want to go to college or what I want to study. I was going to attend Lee University in Tennessee in the fall, but that wasn't God's plan for me. Strangely, I was scared to go to college but I'm not at all afraid to go to Kenya. The whole concept of college absolutely terrified me, especially because the University didn't really have the program that I would like to have done. Ideally, I would love to do anything with film and cinematography. I've always loved the art and I love making short films and editing videos. 

I was homeschooled until 7th grade and then started attending a private school for 2 years. After that I started at my public high school which was probably one of the most difficult things for me. My town is very small so most of the people who went to the high school had grown up together. I was "the new girl" even through my senior year. I was blessed with great friends from my church though, as well as lasting childhood friendships. 

I work at Tim Hortons (a coffee shop) as a supervisor. I've worked there for a year and a half. It was my first job and I can't seem to get rid of it. I've left twice but they always ask me to come back offering a pay raise or promotion. I don't necessarily love my job, but I don't hate it. The worst part is that I have to open so I work most days 5:30 - 2. 

I'm a very simple person and it doesn't take much to make me happy. My friends and I mostly just hang out. I also, as I mentioned before, love film so my friends and I spend a lot of time watching movies. There's a theater close to my house that shows independent films and it is possibly my favorite place in Ohio. I also love painting, drawing, sculpting, taking pictures, and doing basically anything artistic. I've attempted to learn how to play guitar on several occasions and its still a work in progress. I love music and even music that I don't like, I can at least appreciate. I also try to read if my schedule allows. I read mostly non-fictions books - a lot of psychology, because people fascinate me more than anything. I've never been athletic but I do try to work out, at least on occasion, as much as I hate it.

I've been on two mission trips before. One 4 years ago to Bolivia, one last summer to Trinidad, and two weeks before we leave for training in Atlanta, I'll be going on a trip to Haiti. I can't wait. I've loved all the mission trips I've been on so far, but I don't know how anything will compare to three months in Kenya. I've always wanted to go to Africa and I'm so glad I have the opportunity to now. I really can't wait. I know that God is going to do awesome things in all of our lives and I'm sure it will be an absolutely amazing experience. I'm excited to get to know myself better, as well as getting to know all of you! See you soon! 

- Kirsten