a fellowship-loving adventurer

Back in September, we asked you readers to submit questions you’d like to ask our YLCF Team Members.  With these we compiled a questionnaire for all of us to answer in interview format.  Throughout the months of November and December, we’ll be posting the interviews.  Hope you enjoy a candid look into our lives!  ~Jessica

an interview with Elisabeth A.

How did you “meet” the other YLCF team members and become one yourself? Way back in 2003, I found YLCF through a web search for courtship stories. Little did I know I’d get to collect and post many of those stories myself! I made the initial contact by submitting an article — which, actually, was never accepted for publication! But a couple years later, after my writing and experience had grown, I was asked to become part of the team.

When and how did you come to know Jesus? At about four years old, I first said “Yes!” to Him. By age thirteen, I was worried that I had no clear memory of making that step, so my dad wisely encouraged me to simply reaffirm my commitment to Jesus — and I did. Since then, I’ve been making season-by-season and day-by-day choices to keep on following Him, even through the hard spots, because there’s no One I’d rather be with.

Where you hear or feel God’s presence the most? When I’m in a listening/journaling mode, when I’m on a quiet walk, when I call out to Him in moments of distress. While hearing or telling stories of His faithfulness!

Where are you reading in the Scriptures just now? What is your favorite book of the Bible? I’m in the Gospels just now, and some favorite books are Isaiah and John.

How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in the birth order? I’m the oldest of eight.

How have “real life women” influenced and encouraged you over the years? My mother, with her bold confidence in God. My sisters, who challenge me to be real, and to truly listen. And wow, so many others have invested in my life!

What did you like about your education and what do you wish you and/or your parents had done differently? I was a shy and awkward public school student before I was a shy and awkward homeschooler, so I think it was just plain me. I have no complaints about my public school years, but I’m glad God moved me on to where I could better thrive as a child. Our years of homeschooling gave me a less complicated place to learn, a very valuable sense of continuity when we moved, and fostered two of the best gifts my parents gave me: being at home with studying the Bible, and a great big love of reading in general. It also gave me space to discover my personal calling. When I was in high school, the teacher in our tiny one-room schoolhouse passed on her deep enjoyment of history, geography, and God’s hand in nature, plus a livelier sense of curiosity. These traits stand me in good stead as an international traveler. And now that I’m working as a freelance writer and editor, I’m especially grateful for a few specific courses: Easy Grammar and BJU’s rigorous English course with its easily-digestible grammar handbook, plus Wordsmith, which told me how to write more vividly. Looking back, I wish I had been pushed even more, and that I had responded better to challenges. But it’s not a big regret, because God is continuing my education every day, and He has definitely addressed these areas.

Do you have any cross-cultural experience? If so, how has it changed your life? Yes! I have lived in Israel for over four years, where I have met people from all over the world. God has used it to transform me from a painfully shy homebody into a fellowship-loving adventurer. He has also used it to stretch and grow my faith for His provision and direction.

What is your most-remembered, favorite childhood story/book? My favorite little children’s books come from reading aloud to my younger brothers: especially Go Dog, Go and Fox in Socks, which have plenty of scope for speed-reading or silly voices. For older children, there are many books I still enjoy, like The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert de Jong, The Good Master by Kate Seredy, and The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare.

What books remain your favorite over the years? Stepping Heavenward has been a longtime favorite, as have many of Elisabeth Elliot’s books — but honestly, my favorites are too many to list.

What’s your favorite book you’re reading right now (or read this year)? Recently, I’ve read and reread The Fire of Delayed Answers, which is like a hearty granola bar for the hungry, weary traveler. I’ve also enjoyed two novels about the process of writing: Miss Buncle’s Book by D.E. Stevenson and Heartland by Davis Bunn.

What are your favorite recipes? Lately, I’ve enjoyed making lemon shortbread (a last-minute invention), Indian dal (a colorful lentil dish), and homemade chai latte (with freshly-ground spices). In the last couple years, I’ve been on a challah-baking quest: higher, lighter, prettier. Just think of it as the angel’s food cake of the bread world. And of course, there are always the old favorites, like crisp-crusted, hearty wholegrain bread, and a deep, rich chicken soup, made the long way with lots of roasting and simmering.

What’s your preferred form of exercise? Walking. A lot. Preferably while talking with friends, or (for thinking) by myself in some beautiful spot.

Are you a morning person or a night owl or neither? I’m often a night owl when I’m in my creative bubble.

If someone met you in person, what’s one thing they’d learn about you that your online friends might not know? I tend to write more clearly than I can communicate in person. Also, my love of geography has not given me a sense of direction.