Hey ya'll, I'm just a Louisianian returning to Grounds for another year on mission. I grew up in the deep south in the land of Cajun cooking, and I studied Philosophy at Christendom College, a Catholic Liberal Arts College up on Front Royal, VA! So Virginia has a big part of my heart. I love the mountains, the coffee, the horses, and the people, but I do miss Cajun food. Things I love to do: (again) coffee, running, reading, hiking, singing, and anything related to Louisiana. My favorite thing about living this Catholic Faith is experiencing the infinite mercy of the Father. If I had to pick a favorite scripture verse, I wouldn't be able to pick just one. But in the top five is definitely 2 Corinthians 12:9 when St. Paul says: "but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." It gets me every time. See ya'll around Grounds! Wahoowa.
Nick Farmer
Hey my name is Nick Farmer and I'm from Sterling, Virginia. I went to George Mason University for 4 years and it was a blast. I was involved at the Catholic Campus Ministry for a couple years, I played club lacrosse for some of that time too. I love all kinds of games, sports games, video games, board games. A favorite of mine is Spikeball. I also like coffee, all things breakfast, and doing adventurous things outside, so I'm excited to be here in Charlottesville. I like to exercise and workout, but of course I can't really go to the gym these days. Honestly though, I just love to spend meaningful time with people, which is such an essential part of the faith that I discovered during my college time. Being able to talk freely, honestly, and vulnerably is an essential part of Christian community and virtuous friendships. Basically, I'm here to be your friend, sooo wanna be my friend?
Belén Loza
Hey Hoos– I’m a proud Fightin’ Texas Aggie graduate who has spent the past few years on a wild ride with Jesus from TX ⇾ DC ⇾ NYC ⇾ VA alternating between being a student, working professional, and full-time missionary!
Things I’m really passionate about are the art of living, asking real questions and having good conversation, women’s ministry, social justice, and Google Calendar. I’d love to be best friends with Mary Magdalene, Mother Teresa, and Joanna Gaines. I think the best conversations happen around a table. That said, I can’t cook worth a dime but I’m your gal for charcuterie boards and instagrammable table settings.
My dream this year is to make “Gig Em, Hoos” a thing becomes I love Texas A&M and I already love UVA! My current kick is brewing kombucha and reflecting on the goodness and mercy of the Father (33 Days to Greater Glory #letsgo).
My favorite verse is “Come and have breakfast” (John 21:12) but I could also spend hours talking about Luke chapters 5 + 7. Ask me why :)
Dan LeDuc
Howdy!
I’m Dan. I’m a corn-born Catholic from Lincoln, Nebraska. I’ve spent most of my life on a baseball field, where, after quite some time, I began to combine my love for sports and my identity as a Christian.
I absolutely love my Catholic faith; even more than I love kombucha and Buffalo Wild Wings! Catch me at the frisbee golf course, or Meadow Creek until this whole pandemic craze dies down.