Hey Teammates!

          My name is Emily Chambers, and I live in Vancouver, British Columbia (Go Canucks!) I am 17 years old, but will be turning 18 on the trip, and I go to a Christian private school called B.C. Christian Academy. I am going to graduate this week, so I am super excited and I can't wait to start the Summer. I've been working in retail for almost a year now at Mark's Work Wearhouse, but previous to that I did some recreational instructing/lifeguard work. I was a competitive swimmer up until I was 14, and then went on to get my lifeguarding certificate.

          I have one sister, Sarah, who is 12 years old and a very small number of relatives. My sister is my best friend, and it's going to be different not sharing a room with her for 3 months! My Mom and Dad are amazing and they are so supportive and loving. They are both such great leaders and I've learned so much from them. I am not too sure what I want to do after this trip, but I am thinking of getting my intercultural studies degree at bible college. 

          In school I am the president of Student Council, and this years Valedictorian. My favourite classes have been english, art and biology. I am a teacher's assistant in the kindergarten/grade one class, so I love being able to help the kids read and do crafts. On Friday nights I am a leader at the younger kids youth group at my church, and most of my friends are too which makes it nice. I enjoy reading, art, writing, movies, kids, spontaneous adventures, and Starbucks. I also like to listen to people's testimonies and see how God has moved in their life. I love how everyone is so unique and all have different stories to tell. Truth be told, I am a little bit of a kid at heart, and shy until I get to know people. There isn't too much that I don't like, but I few things that stand out in my mind are seafood and horror movies. 

          In March 2009, I went on a 10-day missions trip to Guatemala which was fantastic. Our team got to work with a school and help them build the second level of their building. So many children from the school came to Christ, and it was such an eye-opening trip. I was amazed to see how happy people were despite their living conditions and financial situations. Even though the Guatemalan people had so little, they always gave us so much. It was a beautiful country and a great experience. It made me want to do more missions trips!

          I am ecstatic to go to Kenya and to meet everyone. I think that God is going to change lives and make a huge impact on whatever city we go to. I am, however, going to be sad to leave my family behind. Lately, I have been focusing on Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future." I am putting all my worries and doubts aside and saying "I will go Lord, send me." I know that God is going to be our deliverer and that his hand will be upon our trip. I can't wait to see what God has planned for us all while we are in Kenya, and I think Real Life: Kenya is going to be the experience of a life time. Let's change the world!

--Emily