Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii (my first "hometown") and being the descendant of a Hawaiian Princess, at an early age I acquired an interest in and acceptance of the many nationalities living there. I was privileged to share life with many individuals in our diverse neighborhood. The many scents and tastes of the ethnic cuisine still linger with me to this day.
After a few years, leaving the island life, our family settled in rural South Shore, Kentucky (my second" hometown") where my Dad's parents resided. Here, I was introduced to a one-room schoolhouse for a short period of time. Also, at this point in life, I learned the work ethic by helping my Grandpa pick vegetables on the farm and riding into town in his "1950- something" red pickup truck to peddle them. My grandparents were an example to me because of their dedication to God and always living out their faith.
While in middle school, at the age of thirteen, I attended a summer church camp . At this time I realized that I needed to do more than just be a" participant" in my church's youth group--- there was a hunger for something more fulfilling in my life. It was then that I made the most important decision of my lifetime-- to accept Jesus as Savior and follow him.
My high school years were spent at McKell where Jesse Stuart, a Kentucky author, served as its Principal years ago. Because of special teachers and many other individuals "pouring" into my life, I felt the call to enter the field of Education. After graduating, I left the "small town" of South Shore for the "big city" of Richmond, Kentucky to pursue my studies at Eastern Kentucky University.
Several years later, I would meet my future husband, Tom at the Student Union Grill. Yes, he chose to date the "shorter girl" and the rest is history.... we were wed about a year later.
We relocated to Northern Kentucky, where I would attend Northern Kentucky University earning my BA and MA (Education).
We were blessed with our fine children a few years later -- Thomas Scott and Melanie Marie.
My Elementary Education degree led me to several positions over the course of thirty-seven years in the Boone County School System.
More than thirty-five years ago, I accepted an invitation from a "dear" lady to attend BBC and that has made all the difference in my life. My passion is teaching youth Sunday School, chaperoning youth trips, and participating in U.S. / International Missions. It's amazing to see our great youth serving the Lord and growing in their faith.
Now in my part-time role as an office assistant, I am happy to help and serve our church family and community.
It is only because of Christ, that in my lifetime, I've accomplished the tasks placed before me. My favorite Scripture, John 15:5, is the core of my life:
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me, you can do nothing.
When you don't find me in the office on Fridays, you can find me traveling, chauffeuring, hunting for a bargain, dining out with friends /family, trying new recipes(especially for my Connections Group), or having fun with my grandchildren, Preston and Bailey.
