Hi friends, my name is Via! I am from Green Bay, WI and graduated high school in 2023 with just a little idea of what I wanted to do after highschool; and that was to adventure while experiencing God on a deep level. I was in the middle of my senior year of highschool when my lovely mother told me about ACMNP. We had a vague idea of what it was but after researching many other gap year programs this was the one that really stuck! Since making that choice, I’ve spent the winter of 23-24 in the Smokies and am currently in Big Bend for this winter 24-25 season. I am so happy that I am here and serving the Lord in this way!

Why am I choosing to serve again? Glad you asked! Simply put, I am here because I felt a deep calling to this ministry. This is a feeling that I have never really experienced before. I had other plans for this summer but as I was going about following those steps I got this overwhelming pit in my stomach, and I knew that I needed to reevaluate my choices in what my plans for this summer were going to look like. I took weeks of prayer and spent time in God’s word, I sought out advice from fellow christians and prayers from them also. After wrestling with God things began to line up and I could see where God wanted me. I am thankful that I took the time to really listen to what God had to say. He doesn’t always give you the answers you want when you want them. But that’s the beauty of being a Christ follower, trusting in God no matter the wait, or the struggle. It is evident to me that He has a plan, and that is why I am so confident in choosing to do another season with ACMNP.

What am I learning here? Connection. God made us as humans to be with each other and relational ministry is a HUGE part of ACMNP. With seasonal work it is common that people are afraid to connect with others because they let the idea that this time isn’t forever. This gets in the way of wanting to get to know each other. I’ve noticed that some outright say it to my face and others don’t talk about it but it can be seen in how they interact. Part of our mission is to break down those walls so that connection with others can be built up! It’s not easy but that’s a huge reason I believe I am here. Going along with that idea, bloom wherever planted. Going from park to park is exciting and full of “unknowns.” This can be a very intimidating idea to think about, but throwing myself into these situations, keeping God at the forefront, differences are being made.

My hope for this coming summer is to further the practice of building others up. I want people to see Jesus through my actions. I want people to ask questions about why I love life so much, and why I have so much passion for what I do.The answer is so simple, its Jesus. And that opens up so many more doors for others to continue to ask questions. I hope I can experience God’s beautiful nature while showing others how epic He is!