Monday, February 20, 2017

Who??

Over the next few weeks I will be posting blogs answering the five basic questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why. Let me begin by answering WHO.

Who am I?

Maybe you have known me for years, maybe you stumbled upon this blog after seeing it on social media somewhere, either way, let me take a second to introduce myself. My name is Brooke Merry and I am a 26 year old from beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2009 and went to Gannon University located in Erie, Pennsylvania to complete a Master’s Degree Program for Physician Assistant Sciences, which I completed in 2014. Since that time I have been working with a Women’s Health Group in Shadyside. Outside of work I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, playing board games, biking, reading, being outside and traveling. I also love being with and getting to know people.

I also spend as much time as I can helping others by serving as a Deacon in our church,  volunteering at VBS, Produce for People, the Youth Group, and taught pre-schoolers Church School. For years I was a counselor at Pittsburgh Presbytery’s Crestfield Camp and Conference Center, and I have been on many national and international Mission Trips.

Who helped me get to where I am today?

It’s hard to describe who I am, without also telling you about the people that have walked with me every step of the way to get to this point in my life. I am blessed with what I consider the best family on the planet. My dad (Dan Merry) is the head Pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church. It is from my dad that I learned how far you can get in life if you’re willing to work hard. I also have learned how to love and care for everyone because of the amazing example he has set for me. When people say that I am just a young version of my dad, it is the biggest compliment that I can imagine. My mom (Beth Merry) teaches communication at Waynesburg University. My mom has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. She has always been the shoulder for me to cry on when I’m having a bad day, the one I call first when I have something exciting to share (although she never picks up because she can’t find her cell phone). She taught me what it means to truly listen to people and welcome them into your life. She also is the best cook around and I will certainly miss going to her house for dinner while I’m away. My older sister (Heather Merry) is a Special Education Teacher in the Canon McMillan School District. Being 3 years younger than Heather I have spent my entire life looking up to her (and annoying her). She is my absolute best friend. She and I bought a house together about 2 years ago and have spent countless nights crying from laughing so hard, staying up late just talking, and enjoying each other’s company. I know how blessed I am to have such a loving big sister who has always looked out for her rowdy little sister. She is the first person I told about my crazy idea of going to Malawi for a year, and because she is amazing, through her tears she said that she would miss me but was so excited for me.  Going to Malawi without them will certainly have its challenges, but knowing I have their love and support will be the enough to get me through the hard days. My mom, dad and sister have been there for me through everything and I would not be who I am today without them.

I also do not know where I would be without my amazing group of friends. They put up with my quirky sense of humor, and are always there for me when I need them. They put up with my constant desire to travel, even when I try to book a trip when I am supposed to be in one of their weddings! I will miss spending time with all of them, but know they will supporting me from home. I’m also hoping some of them come visit me (hint, hint)!!!

I am so blessed to have so many people that loved and supported me throughout my life. Without each one of you I would not be who I am today. Thank you all for you constant love and support of me. I may be the one physically going to Malawi, but this would not be possible without my amazing support group at home.

Who will I be when I return?

I can’t even begin to fathom the ways in which the Lord will work in me and through me during my year in Malawi. I came back a completely different person after we lived there as a family, and I’m sure I will change and grow so much during my time there in 2017-18. The Lord works in mysterious and amazing ways and I am open and excited for the changes and growth that will occur within me.

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