Team Member Introductions

BRIAN BORK I'm 26 years old, 6 feet tall, and have an occasional beard. I'm from London, Ontario, right between Toronto and Detroit. I have a mom, dad, younger sister, and assorted cats. Currently, I'm lurking around Grand Rapids, Michigan because I'm at Calvin Seminary, working on an MDiv and hoping to someday be a university chaplain/tweed wearin' academic. I like reading (currently cramming in as much Gogol, Dostoevsky and Pushkin as possible). Coffee is the thing for me, too, and I really like drinking coffee brewed at Tim Horton's. I like the feel and fit of new socks. I have nearly 600 records/CDs, so music is a pretty big deal for me. I like gumbo. The Daily Show and Simpsons reruns are among the finer things in life. Half my family is from Iowa, and I think it's a beautiful state. Everything tastes better there. Looking forward to meeting y'all.

JESSICA BRAUNSCHWEIG I’m 21 years old, from Randolph, Wisconsin, and I’m so excited to be part of the six-member team traveling to Russia. I’m a junior at Dordt College, studying theology and journalism, both challenging and intriguing in the ways they draw me closer to God as I read and reflect. I have a passion for writing, and am currently editor of the school newspaper. I enjoy jogging, soccer, reading, art, scrap-booking, family, friends, laughing, and food and fellowship. I also love coffee and dark chocolate! Though I’m small in stature, my zestful personality speaks loudly. I can’t wait to see where the Lord will lead me.

SAMANTHA DEJONG I, Samantha Lee DeJong was named after my mother Sandra Lee. I am the fourth of five children. I have two siblings that are married and live in Seattle. I also have a brother in California and a younger sister who lives in Chicago with my parents. My education is as follows: 14 years in the Chicago Christian School system, 2 years attending Colorado Christian University, 3 years at Trinity Christian College, and 0.75 years at Calvin Theological Seminary. My hobbies include (but are not limited to) biking, snowboarding, playing soccer, running, hiking, walking, and occasionally knitting.

MANDY GELDERMAN My name is Mandy Gelderman and I'm from Abbotsford, British Columbia. I'm the second oldest in a family of six kids, and still living at home while I go to school as rent is much cheaper there! Some people think its a little crazy, but I am looking forward to going on an SMP team to Russia this summer, though I am admittedly a little nervous too. I'm currently working on a biology major at the University College of the Fraser Valley, and am considering teaching when I am finished, although I am finding it difficult to choose one vocation at the cost of turning down all others. In my spare time, I enjoy trail riding at the stable where I work, reading novels, drawing, and throwing tennis balls for my dog. I attend Gateway Community CRC in Abbotsford.

RYAN SCHREIBER I'm currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree at Calvin Theological Seminary. I hope to one day become an ordained minister in the CRC. God has been very good to me, and I want to live my life for Him. I am still living with my Calvin College friends, and together we like to play Settlers of Catan. Over the summer I will have the opportunity to visit Russia and work alongside missionaries already there. I am excited! I can't wait to see and participate in God's Kingdom being built in far-away places.

KELLY VANDERMEER I am from Chatham, Ontario, Canada. I go to First Christian Reformed Church and I will be going to Russia for the missions trip this summer! I am 19 years old and I attend St. Clair College in my city for business. I hope to study accounting starting in September. Some things I enjoy doing are reading, singing, playing different sports, and hanging out with friends. In 2004 I went to Brazil for a year-long Rotary exchange, which made me realize how much God has blessed me in my life. I want the chance to help others know God, and I am looking forward to doing that in Russia this summer!