Hey, Mama!
Since we’re starting this journey together, I thought it would be fun to share some facts about me — because I don’t want to just be an online presence that you don’t know, but I want to be a sister walking with you on your motherhood journey. So here are some things my good sista friends know about me:
- I worked as a missionary for four years after graduating from college.
I served with an organization called Saint Paul’s Outreach, where we went on mission to college campuses here in the US to bring the Gospel to students. To some, it might seem silly to be a missionary in America, on a college campus no less, but college can be the most formative years of a person’s life, and often Jesus is pretty absent on college campuses. Serving for two years at a college in Minnesota and then two more in Kansas, I was able to walk with students who struggled with the huge questions of who they were and who they wanted to become. It was such a privilege.
- I met my husband Patrick in this mission work.
We were on the same team at a college in Kansas — we were actually the team leads together! I was determined not to fall in love with my co-leader (because come on, how cliche), but working with him day in and day out, it was hard to ignore the reality that he was the kindest, most generous, patient, and faithful man I’d ever met. We took a chance on dating and though it was difficult in many ways, we soon discovered we didn’t want to face life without each other. He’s the greatest gift.
- Our son Lewis is named after C.S. Lewis
Patrick and I both love the writings of C.S. Lewis. He’s one of my favorite authors, and the summer before I started working with Patrick, I was able to travel to Oxford with my parents and see where Lewis taught, lived, and grabbed a pint with his friends. Re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia when I was a missionary transformed the way that I saw Jesus, and who better to name our son after than a man who allowed his life to be transformed by the Gospel and brought us such beautiful stories?
- I love learning
If I could be a perpetual student (you know, without the stress of deadlines or student loans), I would absolutely be constantly seeking degrees. I’d love to get a further degree in History, Nutrition, Creative Writing, Psychology, Child Development. But alas, I have neither the time nor the budget for that, so I have to content myself with books and more attainable certifications & courses (like the one that gave me the tools & specialty to do this work!). I have a nice little list of certifications & courses to go through next to become even more equipped in this work!
- I’ve got a weakness for reality tv & pop culture
Listen, I love Jesus. But I also have a big fondness for Vanderpump Rules, The Bachelor franchise, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and listening to my favorite pop culture podcast. It’s a guilty pleasure, but popping in some headphones to listen or watch these definitely helps me get through the mundane tasks in motherhood that I otherwise find annoying like folding laundry, cooking, or washing the dishes. It’s called habit pairing.
- I love rock climbing
On the whole, I don’t super love working out, but when working out involves something fun like rock climbing or spin class, I’m all about it. My husband got me interested in rock climbing while we were dating, and it’s still our preferred date night if we can manage it.
- A lifelong dream of mine is to write a novel
I’ve always loved to write and I am determined to one day make this dream a reality. I’ve got a lot of ideas for what the plot would be, but so far I haven’t gotten further than jotting them down. Maybe one day, but right now I’ve got too many other things going on to do more than just think about it.
- I’m an avid reader
When I’m reading, I’m pretty much lost to the world. I love all genres (except for thrillers, I just can’t do that, I’m way too much of a scaredy-cat), but I have a certain fondness for cheesy romcom novels. Some of my recent favorites include the Friend Zone series, The Wedding Ringer, and my current read is called Shipped. I have a goodreads account if you’re looking for recommendations.
- I have lyme disease, chronic mono, and mold toxicity disease
Chronic illness is no fun, but I’m lucky to have a super supportive husband, a great team of doctors helping me to treat these, and faith that one day Jesus will bring total healing. I share more about my journey with chronic illness on my personal IG account, and to all the mamas out there who struggle with similar things, know that you are not alone and you’re in my prayers.
- Queen Elizabeth is my 22nd cousin
My grandfather is super into genealogy, and he’s been telling us all for years that we’re decedents of King Edward I, II, & III of England, but it wasn’t until I visited England that I became more interested in this history. I dove into the information we had and discovered that King Louis of France (St. Louis — and another reason we named our son Lewis) is my 26th great-grandfather and that Queen Margaret of Scotland (St. Margaret) is my 28th great-grandmother. With our common ancestors, Queen Elizabeth is my 22nd cousin! I’m still waiting for my invitation to tea, though.
Well, I hope this was a fun little way to get to know a little more about me! Now I want to hear about you! Share some fun facts in the comments!
