Hello Friends (and new friends),
I grew up in Wichita, KS with my seriously amazing family. First, there’s my Dad, Barry. He exudes wisdom, strength, and generosity. He loves the truth of God’s Word, and taught me to turn to the Word for comfort and direction in my life. He always says, “The Word says what it means, and means what it says.” My Mom, Chicki, shines with God’s grace and love. At some point in the last few years our relationship evolved from Mother-Daughter, to something even deeper, a friendship founded in our love for Christ. Through her example, I learned the power of prayer and the importance of seeking a daily quiet time with God. I would not be the lady I am today without their love, guidance, support, and prayers.
Then, there are my siblings: Ried, Jesse, and Danny (everyone calls him Daniel now, but he’ll always be Danny to me). I’ve always looked up to my big brother Ried. He’s definitely a kid a heart and loves all kinds of games and ridiculous pranks. Ried is married to Stacy and they have 2 daughters, Kailin and Lyndsay. All I can say is that I LOVE LOVE LOVE them so much! My younger sister, Jesse, is fiercely loyal, kind, hard working and generous. God’s light emanates through her quiet commitment to His Word. My baby brother Danny is exuberant and joyful. His heart is on fire for the Lord and he pursues the Word with an unbridled passion. I’m humbled to say these amazing people belong to me.
From Left to right: Papa Barry, Sister Jesse, Sister-in-Law Stacy, Niece Lyndsay, Mama Chicki, Me, Niece Kailin, Brother Daniel, and Brother Ried.
After high school, I attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO. I loved college. Met my best friends here and learned so much. Even more importantly, my faith and personal relationship with Christ took firm roots in my heart and soul. In 2005, I graduated with a BA in English.
From there, I worked a few jobs in marketing, but it wasn’t until I joined Teach for America (TFA) that I experienced my next chapter of change and reliance on God. The mission of TFA is that one-day all children will receive an excellent education. Without any formal training beyond 5 weeks of teacher boot camp, I committed 2 years to teach in an urban Kansas City school district. I could write pages about my journey as a TFA corps member, but the main point is that God used this time to mold me through some really crazy and intense situations. Most days, I called my Mom sobbing on the way home from school with tales of my daily challenges. I learned I don’t have to be perfect. I learned the foundations of teaching. I learned to trust God. While I experienced brokenness, fear, and lack of confidence, God taught me that I am “more than a conqueror in Him who loves me” (Romans 8:37).
Finally, I ended up at Oakhill Day School, teaching middle school Communication Arts. What an amazing gift from God after my first two challenging years as a TFA corps member. At Oakhill, I learned to love teaching, and I gained confidence in my natural instincts in the classroom. As it turns out, I really love making plans and finding creative ways to teach my students. I fell in love with the generous, kind, and welcoming community at this incredible school. I’m blessed to say that because of my students, their parents, and my colleagues I am not the same person who walked into the Oakhill classroom 4 years ago.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Now, God is calling me to something new. It’s time for me to begin the next chapter of my story…The World Race!
“Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
A few of my loves (in no specific order): The beach. Vanilla ice cream. Lady Gray tea and Diet Pepsi. Anything vintage. Quiet time and digging into the Word. TJ Maxx. My family. My beautiful-talented-loyaly-fun-loving friends. Kansas City. Journaling. The St. Louis Cardinals. My cat Bella. Reading young adult novels. Dancing. Sleeping in. Surprises. Prayer…so much more!
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasure forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know me. Hopefully, we’ll talk soon!
Love Love Love
Kate
