Life After the Show :)

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A few years back I was on an unscripted TV show and have been asked recently to write a blog entry for them to post on their website. I thought I’d share it on my own blog as well, so here it is!

It has been quite a few years since the show aired, yet people keep recognizing me anywhere (malls, restaurants, banks…) and everywhere (Austria, China, Mexico…)! What in the world?! …they tell me it’s my voice :P I love it and find it hilarious every time someone curiously looks at me and asks if we went to high school together… no, I’m sorry that I have never lived in Montana, Washington, or Idaho… :) Either way, it’s always great to meet different individuals from all over the nation and world and to get to know them to the best of my ability in that moment!

The sum of how life has been since the show cannot merely be summed up in simple sentences, but I’m going to try my best in giving you the juicy details that might challenge, give hope, or just inform you. There’s honestly nothing too different about me, but people tend to get all awkward and “star struck” (I am not a “star” by any means, but thought the phrase suited the reactions I receive) whenever they find out I was on MADE. All I ask of you is to completely imagine me as your sister or daughter (preferably not your mother or wife) so that you can get the full and unbiased perspective. Cool? :)

I think the one word that would sum up my life since MADE would be “intentional”. I’m going to be very blunt and honest as to why, so hear me out if you’d like. If you are closed-minded or stubborn, turn back now because I’m only going to challenge your thinking. It was merely a few months after the show aired that my life transformed in a very dramatic way; I began to passionately and intentionally follow Jesus Christ. I know, I know… that line might have completely turned you off or maybe even perked your ears a little, but my life has literally been implanted and secured in the hope and salvation of Christ. There’s no other way of telling you about who I am without professing that I let go of my own life and followed a true way of living in pursuit of the Lord. Simply, this can be broken down into two categories: Love God and love His people. Aren’t you glad that everywhere I go I try to have the mindset of seeking the best for you? Shoot, you’re pretty lucky! Call me a holy roller if you so desire, but this has been the climax in all of my existence and I in turn have so much more purpose, direction, and hope through it.

Much of what I went through on MADE led into this change of perspective. I experienced some pretty entertaining and challenging moments while going through the filming of the show: a neck injury, a petty boy crush, a new hobby, and a new outlook on the world; but it was after the show that much of that growth had to be put into application. Once the cameras stopped rolling and the directors flew back to their big cities I was able to see the accumulation of everything that had developed and strengthened within my character. Because of the trials that were faced and the accomplishments that were made, life after MADE had a whole new meaning and purpose. It would be a lie if I said that I felt invincible after the wakeboarding experience, but there was certainly a new instilled nature of confidence after knowing that I could get through moments of complications and adversity.
So, if that’s what I gained through the show, then what am I doing with my life now? Well, I’m in college!!! Whew, I hated high school! Oy, I say… oy! I’m at a University down here in Texas (Yee-haw? And no, I do not ride a horse to school. He’s currently on vacation :P). I love this school and try to be involved and interactive in any way possible. Ever since I came as a freshmen (I’m on my fourth semester now) doors kept opening left and right in terms of opportunities in which I could serve and be intentional (there’s that word again!) with my gifts and abilities.

One area of great interest for me is my involvement with the many international students on campus. For some reason we just click and our friendships come so naturally! In order to further be involved in their cultures and their lives, I decided to take up an opportunity that the school provided where I got to teach in Asia over the summer. It was a phenomenal experience that confirmed my direction in life: I was designed to pour my heart into international missions :)
Ever since I was young I always felt odd about the prospects of remaining in the States for the rest of my life. My personality, giftings, and interests never matched up too well with this culture and I got to see my true nature ignite when I was put in the passionate furnace of missional service overseas. So… that means I’m going back out into the world! I will go anywhere and do everything that I am called to do. Of course there’s patience along the way that I must hold firm to, but there’s a striving ambition to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.
Can you do something for me really quickly? I want you to take a deep breath. Take two if my ridiculously long story has completely sucked the wind out of you…
The fact that you are still breathing means that God still has a plan for your life and is graciously using you each day. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Christ and have questions, hit me up and I’d love to chat with ya about Him :)
My past is said and done, the present has been pretty fun, and now my future is limited by no one (ha, I just made that up… and it’s kinda lame :P). The direction I am currently going in through my education and ministries lines up with my passions of sharing the gospel, missions, and languages. So, we’ll see what door opens next! I feel like I just wrote the essay to a final exam, and I’m pretty sure you didn’t appreciate being the teacher who just read it! …sorry about that… So, what’s my grade?! :P
Hit me up on facebook and I’ll try to keep in touch with ya! No stalkers please. Y’all need to pick up a new hobby because it’s kinda shady and boring… I suggest wakeboarding instead! Have a blessed year everybody and say hey if you run into me at some point in life!
Joyfully,
Joanie

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