Iris grew up overseas in Burkina Faso, West Africa, with her parents who are WMB-supported Wycliffe missionaries. In her mind there was no better childhood, despite the constant moves, goodbyes and cultural shifts. She had her eyes opened to the needs, both spiritually and physically, that were apparent everywhere she traveled in Africa. The desire to work and serve overseas wasn’t a sudden one; it was more a gradual knowledge that this was where she was meant to be. After graduating from high school, Iris returned to Canada to major in Community Health Science at Brock University. Throughout her university years, her passion for international health and development grew. In 2009-2010, she was  given a wonderful opportunity to serve with the SALT program in MCC. Starting August 16, she worked in community health and development with a local Christian hospital in Jagdeespur, India for one year. While there, she hopes to make a difference in the community around her, gain a better understanding of the practicalities of cross-cultural service, and learn and grow in her relationship with God. Her dream for this year was  to serve humbly in whatever way is needed, and to show the love of God to all those she encountered.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it”. John 1:4-5

After an incredible year with MCC, Iris has returned home to pursue her Masters in International Development at York University.