RGM Contributors
MARIAN
Who is in your family?
The Jordan’s are more like a village than a family. Imagine “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” set in Texas. I’m one of 7 kids...yes, 7! I am the baby girl. This fact should explain a lot to my readers. I have more nieces and nephews than I can count and they are precious to me. God has also blessed me with friends who are as close as family and I’ve met most of them at my home church, Second Baptist of Houston.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Since I travel so much for work, I like to distinguish between trips and vacations.
Relaxing vacation: I love a week at a beach house with good books, good coffee, good food, and good friends.
Favorite trips: I love all things British. Australia holds a special place in my heart. Crazy for Prague, Israel is beyond words, and I adore a Paris flea market.
Who is your hero?
George Whitfield and Corrie Ten Boom—they both poured out their lives for Jesus and “left it all on the court.”
What do you order at Starbucks?
If I go in the AM – grande coffee of the day in a venti cup with a splenda and one raw sugar (I like the extra room).
If I go in the PM – grande, skinny, vanilla latte (I don’t do dairy in the morning).
If you could have dinner with anyone who lived within the last 1,000 years who would it be?
It’s a toss up between my heroes. I’m going with Corrie Ten Boom. Sorry, George.
KELSEY T.
Who is in your family?
Like Marian, I’m the baby girl. It really does explain a lot. I have two older siblings, two amazing parents and an 8-year-old golden retriever puppy. For only six of us (one of whom can only bark), it can get pretty crazy. We like to have loud dinner conversations and play word games (nerd alert).
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Now that I live in Houston my absolute favorite place to visit is my old hometown, Bellingham Washington. It’s a bitty town north of Seattle and I spend my time there on scenic running trails, at my favorite independent coffee shop, or hanging out at what I think is one of the BEST Farmers’ Markets in existence. Otherwise I’d usually choose a fun city to explore over a sandy beach. I loved visiting Singapore a few years ago. Austin is great for a day trip. And I have a VERY long list of places I want to go, including Greece, Jerusalem, and South Africa.
Who is your hero?
Right now, I’d say Ryan and Sara Hall. They’re both professional runners and use that platform for social justice and to share their faith, which is awesome! (Plus I’m reading Ryan Hall’s book right now, so he was the first one to come to mind.)
What do you order at Starbucks?
AM: Americano with a wee bit of room.
PM: Grande, iced, green tea with one pump classic OR a double, nonfat, extra-hot, 1 pump, tall vanilla latte, if I’m really dragging. Also, whenever Starbucks does the “Happy Hour” promotion I consider it my duty to buy at least one light mocha frappe.
If you could have dinner with anyone who lived within the last 1,000 years who would it be?
Amelia Earhart. Ever since I wrote a paper on her in Seventh grade it has driven me CRAZY that we don’t know what happened to her... I’d love to clear the mystery up.
MALLORY
Who is in your family?
My family is not so large, but what we lack in size we make up for in love! Cheesy? Maybe. True? Definitely. We are a family of four: 2 parents, 1 boy, and 1 girl. And who’s the baby in my family? Yep, that’s right...me! I have an amazing older brother who is one of my best friends, and incredible parents who recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is located in THE Great State of Texas. (What can I say? I love my state...) Cozied in the beautiful Texas hill country is a small town called Wimberley. For a few days in the summer, my family and I trade in the noisy Houston highways for the refreshing Blanco River that flows through this quiet town. It’s become a family tradition!
Who is your hero?
My brother, because he has literally saved my life at least 3 different times. See? I told you my older brother was amazing!
What do you order at Starbucks?
It all depends on if I’m in the mood for hot or cold.
Hot drink: Skinny Caramel Macchiatto
Cold drink: Skinny Caramel Frappuccino w/ extra caramel sauce (the skinny-ness cancels out the extra caramel, so it all works out in the end, right? Right...)
If you could have dinner with anyone who lived within the last 1,000 years who would it be?
My sweet Grandma. She was like a second mom to me, and served as a major influence in the formation of the woman I am today. She passed away two years ago, and I miss her dearly. My grandma introduced me to Jesus, and I believe in my heart that it was her life, her death, and her prayers that led me to Him. Although I know she is watching my life from the best seat in the house, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t want to tell her something, ask her something, or give her a big hug. She gave THE best hugs! :)
KELSEY M.
Who is in your family?
I’m blessed to have two families who are incredibly loving and supportive of me. I come home from college to have dinner (and do laundry for free) with my mom and stepdad at least once a month. I also love going back to my hometown of Chapin to spend time with my dad, stepmom, and younger sister. My sister, Lauren, is only 4 years younger and we’re very close. She’s my pride and joy! Our family is also obsessed with our dogs, Lily, Charlie, and Sophie.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Now that I spend most of the year in Columbia, SC at the great University of South Carolina (yes, home of the Gamecocks & back-to-back National Baseball Champions) my favorite place to visit is Lake Murray! I grew up living on the lake and my favorite thing to do is bring friends home for a fun weekend out on the boat!
I also love to visit Callaway Gardens Resort in Georgia for the Masters Waterski & Wakeboard Tournament. I’ve been every year since I was born so it’s a tradition now. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and I love watching the ski competition.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are the amazing friends and family that God has blessed me with. They encourage me and inspire me to love Jesus more every day.
What do you order at Starbucks?
Well, to be honest, I’d take a nice cold glass of southern, too-sweet, sweet tea any day over Starbucks! But I do love a hot white-chocolate mocha when I need an extra boost of caffeine.
If you could have dinner with anyone who lived within the last 1,000 years who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with Christian author & theologian, C.S. Lewis. His book, Mere Christianity, is blowing my mind right now! I would love to talk and gain some wisdom from him, but his thoughts would probably be way over my head. He really makes me think!
