My birth name is Victoria, but I like to go by Torie. Friends tend to shorten it even more and call me Tor (or Tor Tor if they’re being funny). It’s convenient for when you only feel like saying one syllable. I am 19 years old, but by the time most of you meet me I’ll be 20! I am from the beautiful state of North Carolina. My family lives in Shelby which is an itty bitty town in the Western part of the state. I went to Shelby High and graduated in 2010. I now go to UNCG (University of North Carolina Greensboro) and live in an apartment with roommates in Greensboro. I am in love with this city and my community here. I couldn’t be more blessed! I am a Nursing major here at UNCG and will actually find out if I got into nursing school next month!

                Work typically involves tutoring General Biology, Physiology, and Organic Chemistry. In high school though I was a lifeguard during the summers and worked in YMCA childcare during the school year. I do support myself, school and all! When I’m not studying or working you can usually find me catching some Zzz’s in my bed! I love naps, call me a marathon napper! When I’m not sleeping I love a good book or movie. I also love lying around and listening to music. I pretty much like everything when it comes to music, so whatever fits my mood.  My friends and I like to play cards together, and we can get pretty competitive. I will get all of you guys hooked on Monopoly Deal! I am also involved with my campus ministry Cru. Every Tuesday night I get to praise the Lord with all my closest friends! I’m also a member of a bible study with many other beautiful girls :)

                So my likes and dislikes. Can we talk about love first? My love of coffee and chocolate is great. I may even venture to say I’m kind of caffeine dependent. I also love Carolina and Ohio State Basketball. Although if I had to choose one or the other, I’ll always pick my Buckeyes  :) I’m one of those cheesy Ryan Gosling fans and a Twihard. Let me just get all my geek out at once.  I love swimming too; I was a competitive year round swimmer for 12 years. It’s definitely a really rewarding sport as well as a great stress relief!

                I have not had much mission experience. I went one summer with my youth group up to Philadelphia, PA with Student Life. We really were able to go into the city and help the community there. It was so awesome to be able to bring the light of God in such a dark place. Other than that it has been things such as volunteering in the soup kitchen or working with the homeless population in Shelby. No mission is too small! So let me tell you guys how absolutely pumped I am for this trip! God starting laying this trip on my heart back in October. It was definitely a leap of faith to even sign up! I was like “Ok God, but really, me?” The Lord pushed and pushed to affirm that I am meant to be in Thailand this summer no matter what obstacle I may face.  I was at a point before knowing about this trip where I had lost all my trust in people and in the Lord and I really think that part of God’s plan for me was to regain my trust and faith in Him. I can’t wait to hear each of your stories and get to know your hearts! I know the Lord has some amazing things planned for us in Thailand! I’m praying for each one of you beautiful girls and I just absolutely can’t wait to bring the heart of God to Thailand this summer!