Operation Restoration: Life Edition

In conjunction with Operation Restoration: Home Edition I also told you I would share with you the story behind the family that I am helping.  So welcome Denise to Infarrantly Creative as she begins the process of sharing her story here on IC.  

Source

I never in a million years thought I’d be guest positing for a blog with a bazillion followers. It’s a far cry from my personal blog with a total of six followers, whom I’ve probably lost due to my lack of posting. Nor did I think I would ever be writing this story…my story!

Some call me D, others call me Karen D. I’ve been called KD and my sisters call me Nese. A few call me D-Lo, but most just call me Denise. I am a lover of Colts football, daisies, the smell of fresh cut grass, coffee, chocolate, U2, laughing, my dogs, mountains, and my three loveys at home! (not in any order ) However, the most important love of my life is Jesus Christ. It is because of who He is and what He’s done for me that I can share this humiliating and humbling story. It is only because of His grace that I can give grace. I can share that He is faithful when no one else is, and I pray this story, my story, my family’s story, will paint a picture of the restoration He wants to do in each of us!  So let’s get started.

Back in the day, 1993, when Darius Rucker was Hootie, Kurt Cobain was alive, and Boyz II Men were doing a little east coast swing, I met the funniest, most-talented, handsome, and sweetest guy of my life in college. We started out as friends, and before too long we were kissing friends, and not long after that we were married friends. I adored him and he adored me and I think most would describe us as a fun-loving couple that complemented each other well. He was spontaneous, I was the thinker. He was a dare devil, I was cautious. He would say whatever came to mind, I would hold my tongue…sometimes. We were as Forest would say, “peas and carrots.”

We finished school and dove into full-time church work. First, we worked with kids; he got the paycheck but I worked my heiney off too. Then we moved onto working in music ministry, which led to an associate pastor position. Then we felt led to a totally different type of ministry. He accepted a position at a mission for Native Americans in Arizona.

So, in 2008, we packed up and moved 1500 miles away from what we’d always called home. We were so excited and scared for this completely new adventure. We were really leaning into our faith and into each other. Our two children were filled with excitement as we settled into our new home in the southwest. Mountains, tarantulas, cattle roaming free in our front yard, afternoon rains, the daily dose of sunshine and the countless hiking possibilities were welcomed with open arms. We were falling in love with Arizona fast, not to mention the incredible people we were working with at the mission and the Native families we were serving. The slow pace and mountain life was incredibly liberating. I had always known there was more for me out there, and I was finally seeing and living it!  Little did I know that the most challenging days were ahead of us…

Click here to continue onto Part 2