What brought you here?
Love. I followed my soon-to-be husband to the area after college and started my first teaching position as a resource teacher. That was just after the school’s first addition was completed and Wayne Gunther was my principal.
Tell us about your work.
I’m a full-time stay-at-home mom gainfully employed by our three children. I also lead a women’s community group at The Point Church of Charlottesville.
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Donald, grew up in Albemarle County and works for State Farm. He serves Fluvanna Youth Baseball as a board member and coach. He is also a community group care pastor at The Point. He is truly the best person I’ve ever known. We have three amazing and active kiddos: Caroline (9), Jackson (6), and Karis (3). Never a dull moment!
Describe a hobby you have.
Does spending a bit too much time on Pinterest count?
I have a constant and ever-growing pile of books by my bed – mostly nonfiction. Books are a definite addiction. I am both amazed and renewed by studying the Bible and could spend an entire day doing so. It has drastically changed my heart for the better.
I love exploring and am a bit of a thrill-seeker, always up for trying new things. Movies in the theater and live music make my day. I learned to enjoy running this summer and have always wanted to be one of those super-fit runners with the swishy pony tail. At this point, my goal is just to look like I’m not dying.
Describe one of the highlights of your life.
Aside from bringing our three kiddos into the world, every highlight has to do with serving others: teaching the county’s children, women’s ministry, tending to the homeless, or loving the desperately poor in Guatemala. I begin the process with such a need for God to show up and he never disappoints. I’ve always gained more than I’ve ever given.
Describe one of the surprises of your life.
Our last child was a girl. We were absolutely convinced she was Luke.
Describe one of the tragedies/struggles of your life.
Losing my dad. He was 52 years old when he unexpectedly passed from a massive heart attack.
Daily, I struggle with plain old procrastination and other lovely character flaws.
Describe a dream you have for the future.
I have a lot of daydreams that mainly have to do with traveling, ministering to women, a tremendous garden that comes with its own gardener, writing, and a renovated old farmhouse with a view thrown in for good measure. More realistically, my daily goals have to do with finding my countertop, staying on top of the laundry, and maybe, dare I say it, someday running a 10-miler.
Describe a fear you have for the future.
Thankfully, I don’t deal with much fear of the future, although I really don’t want my husband to die before me. Sometimes the thought of becoming stagnant and not growing into more of who I was made to be can taunt me.
Here’s your chance to sound off. If you could give the public one word of advice or public service announcement, what would it be?
My hope for people is that we would better understand how much Jesus desires for us, that God is for us not against, and that he is not into religion, but rather our receiving a vibrant life through a growing knowledge of him. Chasing God is the most exciting adventure I’ve ever been on.
