About Me

My name is Emily.  I live in Chicago, where the winters are unbearable but the 3 months of summer make up for the frigid cold.  I moved here 5 years ago to to chase my dreams in the "big city," and knew even then that I would probably never leave.  I'm glad I haven't.  Chicago is home.

7 years ago, I met my now-husband at a small Christian camp in the middle of Michigan and my heart turned to mush instantly.  His sincere, unassuming love for God and people drew me in.  We dated for 3 years before marrying on January 3, 2009.  He is the hot sauce to my ranch, and visa-versa some days:)  I love living life with my best friend.


I'm blessed to be in a career that not only pays the utility bills, but changes me from the inside out.  I am the Youth Coordinator at World Relief, a non-profit that helps refugees build new lives in America.  Some days, this means I'm driving a 15-passenger van with 14 kids who speak 8 different languages, all while trying to keep them buckled up.  If you ever want to talk about refugees, just ask me.  I love sharing their stories of courage and hope.

Thanks for reading the tidbits of our life in Chicago.  I'm glad you're here.