Who are we?

We are two people on this journey who are "workin' it out" in all areas of life (even as we try to write our story in a blog together).  We are messy and broken people who have been given much. We have been deeply listened to and loved deeply by God and so many people.  We have had the opportunities to learn engineering, counseling, spiritual direction, nursing, spanish, sign language and how to do headstands :) We LOVE PEOPLE! We love to see people becoming well in their bodies and their souls :)

As we have meandered in our journeys both as single folk and in the last year and a half since we have been married, we have seen the theme of "listening" being highlighted over and over. We have been learning about listening to God and to our own souls as well as listening to those around us. Frankly, we have also seen how much we don't listen.

Throughout our lives we have had many highlights and lowlights just like everyone else. Some of the lows have been facing the loss of loved ones.. immediate family members and best friends. Enduring and battling chronic illnesses. Experiencing as well as causing deep wounding in relationships, loneliness and so much more.

We have also seen so many highlights in life. Strong families and friends that love us deeply. Amazing church communities. Sharing life alongside siblings that bring us much joy and parents who would do anything for us. The gift of really close friends. The very presence of God throughout each part of our journeys.

On a lighter note, we love being outside! We love laughing and being with people. We have enjoyed getting to lead solitude retreats for others. Jer has traveled to all 50 states and all the provinces in Canada in a year. (you can see his jerjourneys blog for details on that). I worked in non profit clinics in Atlanta and Philly and got care for people in their homes that were living with HIV. I have learned the most by listening to their lives. Jer has built inroads into people's lives both literally and figuratively. By designing highways as an engineer and by working as a job coach for people with disabilities.  We have recently relocated to San Diego and are looking for work.

So.... I am including the details above because each of these things have taught us about listening. We deeply desire to listen well to God, to each other and whoever God puts in our path. We have experienced what it is like to be listened to. We have been loved even when people have seen and experienced our good, bad, hard and ugly. This is stunning.  We long for others to be listened to and also to know how perfectly they are listened to by the one who made them.