Coffee lover [who isn’t, really?], book hoarder, household cook/baker, part-time crochet-er, former NICU nurse, cat person and wanna-be gardener.
Long Island native, but with mountains in my heart. A homebody, but with a love of travel and world missions in my soul.
Follower of Jesus, striving to live a life that reflects the beautiful truth of the Gospel:that He came to this world and died for me, for you. To forgive sin and lead us into a place of freedom and joy.
Wife to a wonderful man, Derek. We met on a mission trip to Uganda where he was working to help establish a pig farm for a local church community. His compassion for others won my heart [along with his killer eyelashes], and after a dream proposal in Ireland, I said yes to the perfect man for me. He is a treasury of entrepreneurial ideas, and the past 7 years with him have been full and blessed. We have traveled around the world, to Egypt, Israel and India. And three years ago, we moved across the continent and country, from Alaska to Florida!
Stay-at-home mom to three dimpled, blue-eyed kiddos who are daily teaching me the meaning of grace [and the need for a bigger coffee cup]! Because of them, I am now an expert in the art of stickers, storytelling and silly faces. This journey of motherhood has been a blend of the beautiful and the humbling, more so than I ever imagined. Many days I feel deeply inadequate, but in those moments, cling to 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
It is a great joy and honor to mother these precious lives!
There you have it: a brief glimpse “about me”. For more on the reason and meaning behind Joy for the Road, check out my first blog post here.
May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
-Irish Proverb
Melissa