An Amazing Speaking Conference

Since I started on this writing journey in winter 2021, I have had the opportunity to attend quite a few wonderful virtual conferences and always learn a lot. When I first heard about Christian Communicators Speakers Conference from a friend in my writer's tribe, I was immediately drawn to it because it is based in TX. I reached out to one of the co-directors and she endorsed my book and supported me before I even signed up for the conference. So, I was very excited to attend for multiple reasons. I was going back to TX, would have the chance to reunite with good friends again, would have the chance to meet authors and speakers I had only met virtually up until now, and I would finally be attending my first in-person conference. It was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot. I made some amazing new friends that I continue to keep in touch with today. I walked away with new headshots that I love and a 3 minute video reel. I am excited for the opportunity to go back again this year and look forward to continue learning and gaining additional speaking skills.

Juan's 18th Birthday!

 Juan celebrated his 18th birthday while we were in TX. At the time we planned the trip, which was a year in advance, he was set to stay with a friend. As the trip neared, those plans fell threw and our communication with Juan sadly continued to diminish. We tried to take him out and celebrate him before leaving, but he was not interested so we left his presents and requested cheesecake for him and he celebrated alone. We have learned so much on this adoption journey and about abandonment, trauma, and mental challenges. There was so much we were unprepared for, and we truly just wanted to love, support, and give kids a forever home that might not have that chance. The fallacy in that was that we were not adequately prepared to deal with all the challenges that came our way and could not get the kids to accept the help they needed to heal. We hope as Juan and his siblings continue to mature and grow into adults, they will make their own way successfully and find the help they need.

Sharing My Story in Texas

Before my speaker conference began, I had the opportunity to share my story on a radio program called Fishbowl Radio. The name of the program is Joy and Company. They interview different authors. Because I was in town, we were able to do the interview in the studio rather than on zoom. It was a great experience!

I also had the opportunity to share my book and story on a faith based internet streaming tv show called the Fanny Minnitt Show. It was another great opportunity to share my story with another audience and I hope that it helped my book sales and also encouraged many listeners.

Texas, Here We Come!

I am so excited to be traveling back to TX once again after being gone for so long! I have the opportunity to attend my first in-person speaker conference in Ft. Worth and Dainis is coming with me. I reached out to several college friends and so excited Kim, Liz, and Jeff will be able to make the trip to Dallas to see us!! I will also have the opportunity to see Traci, my dear friend from high school before my conference begins. It has been years since I have seen all of these friends in person so I am very excited about our time together! 

During my time with Kim, Liz and Jeff, we enjoyed good Mexican Food, visited the church we were married at, our hotel we had the reception at, enjoyed sight seeing, and so grateful for the chance to visit and catch up.

Ingrid's 20th Birthday!

 Although Ingrid is currently living with Sandra and working, we had her over to celebrate her birthday. It has been a challenging time with regards to responsibility, communication, and respect, but we are thankful Ingrid graduated from both high school and West MEC. We are very glad we could celebrate her special day with her and we will see what the future holds.

My 49th Birthday!

 Dainis and my parents always do such a great job celebrating my day and making me feel special. I grew up with a mom who made sure every holiday and birthday was always decorated and celebrated with great presentation. Dainis has been in this family long enough now to know that this is what I always do for others and he does the same for me. The kids did not choose to participate in our celebration this year, but we had a nice time with my parents.

SWAN Rehab and Stroke Support Group

My physical therapy center, SWAN Rehab, opened a second location in Goodyear when Kay Wing, the original owner, sold her business to a new company called Rehab without Walls. SWAN has kept its name and the new location is located only about 10 minutes from my house. They are now starting a stroke support group, and I am very excited because this is a much needed resource, especially in the West Valley. I had the opportunity to speak at one of their first meetings, share my story, and my rehab experience. I had the opportunity to sell a few of my books and loved connecting with other stroke survivors.

 

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)

I have learned so much during my journey of challenges and this last one with my possible cancer diagnosis was no exception. Our plans aren't always the same as God's plans but as we look at how He works, how the different plans intersect, and how everything comes together, I stand back in amazement. Countless times it started out as my plans but because I have a strong faith, I can see God's hand in it.

- My move to MN for my career ultimately led me to Dainis who knew from watching his dad with his mom what it would take to live with a wife with medical challenges

- My job change to the church from corporate to help our family planning just 3 weeks before my stroke that may have saved my life

- a move to AZ to give Dainis a new career but ultimately placed me with a wonderful therapy program and on the way to recovery

- writing my story to help others which has turned into a new passion I never knew I had and opened more doors

- a possible cancer diagnosis that led to amazing opportunities to share my story, support others, and continue my passion to connect

I said when I received my diagnosis in February and was launching my book that I did not understand the timing but would share my story, use this in my journey, and volunteer if I could. After recovering from surgery, I attended my first dinner to start connecting with other patients at met a woman from Dallas named Onjalai. I had the great privilege of seeing her again this week, on her last day of chemo. Many patients travel back to CTCA on a weekly basis just for treatment. I have been so blessed by this experience so far and look forward to the journey ahead. I am thankful God has given me a purpose through my challenges! 

I am now conducting a creative writing class with patients on a weekly basis to help them use writing as an opportunity for healing. This is not an easy journey and I am happy to support others any way I can.

The Byrd's Nest: My Book

 I am so thankful for all those that have supported me on my writing journey, both near and far. It has been an absolutely incredible year and I could not be more blessed by the support I have received. Karla Byrd, owner of The Byrd's Nest Gift Shop in Gladewater, Texas is

one more example of support. One of my writer friends, BJ, was doing a book signing at Karla's shop so I reached out to see if she would be at all interested in my book. She bought 20 copies and has them on display there in her gift shop. I am beyond excited that my words and story have gone out to so many people and complete strangers have embraced and believed in me enough to support me.

Another amazing example of this is a contact I made through Facebook who ministers to women in the prison in Ft. Worth. She was also interested in using my book with her women in the prison. I am thankful for each opportunity that unfolds for God to use my story to help someone.

Our Future in Pinetop

Juan was invited to go away with one of his best friends for the weekend on a birthday trip so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and get away ourselves. We are not comfortable leaving him home alone so unless he has someplace to go or stay, we don't let him stay home alone. 

A few years ago, we purchased some land in a gated community in Pinetop and plan to build a house as a retirement home. Unfortunately, building expenses are high right now and we want to make sure that is the right choice before we start. So, we decided to look into a mobile home in Pinetop as step one. We found one that was very reasonably priced and the perfect setup for us. It is in perfect condition and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom home. It has a small fence for the dogs and a ramp for me. We can now go and visit without the expense or restraint of a time share reservation, get to know the area better and make a decision before building. If we do decide to build, we will have a place to stay during the process. We are very excited and look forward to the future!

Every time we visit our lot looks a little different, depending on the season. Right now, the grass is green and the cottontails are in full bloom.