Before you assume from the title that I'm vain and that this post is about you getting me to join you on this trip, I'll clarify quickly! ;)

You guys all understand me, get me, comprenez moi! Better in some ways than most of the people in my life. And even before we have ever met! The reason of course, is that we have all been called to missions. I think this is a specific calling, and I think that God has prepared us all for this trip, this January, in Uganda! And, I'm so excited!!!

Ok so my name is Somer Rae Allen. I'm 22 years old and I recently graduated Arkansas State University with a BA in Philosophy. I am currently in school and will be graduating again in December with a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies. I've lived here in Jonesboro for 14 years and have attended the same church for that time. 

I currently work at our campus bookstore part-time. I'm hoping to pick up another part-time job soon. (Anyone else notice the vaccinations are expensive?!) 

I LOVE music! I play the flute and sing in our church's praise team. The other big thing in my life is that I am a pageant girl. I compete in Miss America preliminaries, and I love it! I've earned about $12,000 in scholarship from competing in Arkansas and it has kept me from going into debt to finish my education. I also adore learning about other cultures and languages! I speak a little french, and I have an "I'd like to speak" list that is way to long to mention! 

I have not done missions work before. I have always thought about it as kind of an abstract thing that I would never reach. But I have had a heart for Africa for a long time! I have SO many expectations about this trip, and some that I'm sure I'm not aware of yet. I can't wait to see what each of our ministries will be. I long to develop a closer walk with our Savior! I have always had a passion for issues relating to women and children, so I'm curious to see if God will continue to grow that burden or if He will lead me to discover new places. 

I guess that's all for now!

Prayers and Blessings,

Somer

p.s. I love blogging and have a tendency to write for days...fair warning ;)