About Me

 

I was homeschooled in Central Florida, the oldest of 5. In college, as I was preparing to graduate and move towards getting a graduate degree in psychology, I felt the Lord calling me towards international missions. Soon after that, I met my future husband while we were on an intercollegiate mission trip to Zimbabwe. When he told me he'd like to continue getting to know me, he also told me "Just so you know, I'm going to be a missionary in Japan." 

 

Long story short, we got married, went to seminary, and in 2012, right after my first daughter turned one and I was pregnant with my second child, we moved to Japan as missionaries.

 

Another long story short- we loved (still love!) Japan, but after serving with the International Mission Board for about 6 years, the Lord called us to resign and move back to Florida.

 

Again, an international move while pregnant - this time with my 5th. Three of my babies were born in Japan.

 

It was after my 5th child was born that I discovered postpartum doulas and began training to become one; I'm now a certified postpartum doula and a certified breastfeeding educator. Although no longer pursuing that avenue as a career (I loved the 3 years that I did it!), I am currently writing a book for pregnant mamas all about postpartum and hope to have it published in late 2025.

 

I also began to feel God's call to serve with Beautiful Feet International again (I had before as a teenager); soon, I was asked to be on the board of directors and to lead a mission trip to Costa Rica. I am now a missionary with Beautiful Feet, working part-time from home as the Regional Coordinator for Eurasia.

 

In November 2023, our surprise 6th baby was born. We found out during pregnancy that she would have Down Syndrome. We're so thankful that she is very healthy, with none of the major issues that can be common with Down Syndrome. She is a light in our lives! We do not let Down Syndrome define her - Jubilee is a person who happens to have Down Syndrome and we're excited to see how the Lord uses her life.

 

There are so many instances in my life where it is obvious the Lord was leading me. There are times I didn't listen; there are times I did (read my blog on how I ended up on that mission trip to Zimbabwe!). Thankfully, no matter where I've been or what I've been doing, I've always known that He was by my side.

 

My Three Missions

Over the past few years, I've discovered that the Lord has given me three main missions in my life. They may change, but right now they are:

 

1. My family - specifically homeschooling my children and "training them in the way they should go"

2. Beautiful Feet International- doing my best in my role as Regional Coordinator, helping with fundraising, and leading/supervising mission trips

3. Newborn mothers - finishing my book, "You After Birth", which is meant for pregnant mamas to read in preparation for postpartum