In youth group in 2004.i was 16, he was 18, he was a tall dark handsome high school graduate who played guitar and had a Mohawk. But he commanded a presence. Still does. We dated for my last two years of high school, him in San Diego, my in southern AZ. We still managed to talk and IM every day. I was a hardcore atheist, angry at the world and ready to give up on myself because of where I came from. And he showed me Jesus in a whole new light. Thankstoourfaithandcommitmentwehaveadelightmarriage.

Our recent trip by ourselves for our anniversary. We spent a week in New Oleans. The year prior our family suffered more than most. My husband lost his job (as a pastor) and our family lost everything. After 15 years we ended up relying on family financially and bed wise. It was humiliating and traumatizing for our family of 4. So Disney Land in 9/24 and then selling our house in (took 6) being able to spend time connecting and bonding without the worry of money was soul-giving.

We’re both extremely hard workers. We’re kind, supportive, responsible, good advice givers, good listeners, good parents. I’d give us a family vacation. After everything we’ve been through, our nervous systems are still in survival mode. We just bought a house (again) a new church ( husband is senior pastor) but all 4 of us are just emotionally fried. It was been the hardest season for our family and I would love to spend half on a family vacation. The other half to charities we love.