Meet the team!

Jennifer Brueckner: (CO-LEADER): Jr: Psychology: Long Beach, CA

We studied abroad together and she became one of my closest friends. I think we really compliment each other as leaders. I like to call her "gentle Jen" and I'm "demolition Dayna"!  I am very privileged to lead with her and she has already taught me so much and been a true friend.

Allie Salyer: Freshmen: Sociology

San Diego, CA

I like to call her "Sassy Allie". She is the youngest on the team and offers such great perspective. She has been to South Africa twice, Uganda and the Dominican Republic.  Her room in the freshmen dorm has beautiful pictures of African children that would seriously capture your heart and make you never want to let them go.

Rory Todd: Junior: Communications: Whittier, CA

One thing you have to know about the guys on our team is that they are all hilarious. Rory definitely has a contagious and encouraging personality that really makes people brighten up. Rory decided to do a medical experiment involving anti-inflammatory drugs in order to pay for his down deposit for the trip. We're glad he's still alive after being injected with needles and stuff for three days. 

Nicole Hammer: Jr: Psychology: Forest Falls, CA

This girl is known for her "thinking" face on our team! We always laugh because she has this very pensive and thoughtful look to her. It's cute!  Nicole has such a gentle spirit and is always willing to volunteer. This is really going to be a huge gift that will be a blessing when we're in South Africa. She adds balance to the team and will be someone that we can all count on. 

Dane Miklaus: Jr: Athletic Training: Sacramento, CA

Yep, we have another funny one. Although Dane knows how to make people laugh and his spunk is pretty charming, he knows how to go deep. He is always looking for ways to push himself, push the team and get the most out of things. At the end of Dane's interview we asked if he had any questions for us, he pulled out a whole notebook full. We knew we wanted him! :) 

Cynthia Siguenza: Jr: Biochemistry: Glendora, CA

She has goals and sets them. Her discipline will be huge for our team. She has a very soothing presence that is just comfortable to be around. She wants to be a doctor and will be taking the MCAT shortly after she gets back from South Africa. She even stayed up late after intense days of training during our retreat in order to study. I wish I had her discipline. 

Erin Channing: Jr: Cinema and Broadcast Arts: Yorba Linda, CA

Her contagious laugh and smile will really benefit the team when times get hard. She likes to have fun and her joy will be infectious. She was our first interview and wore yellow, like the sun, and it was apparent she was so willing to serve God. Erin is my neighbor this year and I have really enjoyed getting to know her. 

Sarah Wesley: Sr: Sociology: Sacramento, CA

Sarah went to South Africa last summer with another APU mission team and absolutely fell in love with the country. She is one of those people you just need a on team. I knew Sarah wanted to go back some day, but it was so random when I asked Sarah "Why don't you come?" She had no good reason to say no, and now look where we are! She is graduating in May and we'll be staying the whole summer together in South Africa. 

Cale Erickson: Jr: Cinema Broadcast Arts: Modesto, CA

He was definitely the missing piece to our team. Jen and I originally picked a team of nine, but for some reason, as cheesy as it sounds, we were missing something. When Cale came along, we knew that his gentle heart and ability to love and serve wholeheartedly was exactly what we needed. Cale is great with kids and is always willing to serve without complaining. 

   

So that's the team. I've felt this for a while now, and I know it will hold true... I do not think there are any other people that could have been on this team. During the interview process, Jen and I were so torn by who to pick and how would we know if this is what God wanted? We had to constantly stay in prayer and asked him to make it as clear to us as possible. Our team really did fall into place. It has been great training with them so far, and it'll be a huge honor and blessing to serve God alongside these people in South Africa.