|
About Me... My Little Autobiography
On February 25, 1982, I entered this world to a Mom, Dad, and two older sisters. My Mom, Patti, whom I call Momo is fantastic. She is amazingly talented and faithful, and I get my sense of humor from her. My Dad, Dwight, whom I sometimes call Daddy-o is awesome. He is caring and faithful. I get my profile from him. They raised me as "The Baby", and I'll admit to being spoiled in the sense that I have never wanted for any of the truly important things in life... love, support, attention, faith, safety. And I was pretty frequently the center of attention... not too bad a life! My parents raised me believing in a God that cared for me, others, and the Earth. I grew up on Beals Island... the ocean and trees and rocks and animals all amaze and inspire me!
So, my sisters are Sandi and Kristi. I was a huge aggravation growing up and nearly drove my sister, Kristi, crazy. Once, I stole and chewed a piece of her bubble gum. She caught me because she had counted them so she'd know if I took any. I tried to lie my way out of it. It didn't work. (Amazing that we would one day, like the flip of a switch, stop disagreeing and never fight again. The aggravation we caused each other was replaced with fierce respect, adoration, devotion, and love for one another-- a gift all 3 of us sisters share.) I loved my sisters so much growing up... I always wanted to wear their clothes and hang out with them and their friends. This caused a couple of problems. First, I am bigger than them, and never really fit into their clothes or shoes. Second, they tolerated me pretty well, but I was a lot younger and was more of a nuisance than a friend to them/their friends. BUT, they set awesome examples for me growing up. They got good grades, were kind to people, and worked hard at sports. So, I did those things, too. And even though I aggravated when I was young, we really never fought. It was a great way to grow up. We remain very close.
Eventually, I had to go to school and move away from home. So, I decided to play volleyball at the University of Maine and study to be a teacher. I played volleyball for one year and then decided to spend more time working with youth. Also, I wanted to have time for a semester abroad in Spain which I did my fourth year of college. It was so awesome... I always encourage people to study abroad now! In college, I lived for one year with Kristi, and a couple of years with my friend, Cheltz, before she headed for the high seas on a round the world voyage on the Barque Picton Castle. My final year of school, I moved in with Sandi to complete my student teaching. Once graduated, I headed south...
I spent one summer in Lima, Peru with World Service Corps, a program sponsored by the Community of Christ. It's motto is "Ministry Without Boundaries", and I am immensely proud to have been a part of that outstanding group. Shout out to mi hermana, Ashley Louie, aka Estefania Esmit! Again, highly recommend this abroad experience. When I came back, I started teaching middle school Spanish. Shout out to my phenomenal students for the past 3 years! I also bought a house in Hampden, Maine. My Mom fixed it up since it was built in 1881 and was in pretty rough shape. I enjoy mi casa soooo much! Gracias, Momo.
My immediate family is bigger now than back in '82. As of May 2012, my sister Sandi has two girls, Ella, 7, and Maya, 4, and Kristi has a boy, Brevan, 6, and a little girl, Makenna, 2 1/2. They bring laughter and dancing to my life. And one substantial thing has changed. I will be married in September of 2012 to Brock Watson! After 6 years, we are sure of our commitment to one another and the desire to create a life, family, and home together. Marriage is not to be taken lightly, we know, but we sure do love to laugh and joke a lot together! Love is the greatest gift life has to offer, in my opinion.
Recently, I enrolled in Bangor Theological Seminary at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. I am attending classes and studying to receive the education of a Masters in Divinity. This is proving to be a most challenging adventure. I have met many new friends and colleagues representing diverse backgrounds, callings, church affiliations (the church they are a part of- I am the only one from the Community of Christ), and personalities. Our studies are challenging and rewarding. I have wanted to attend seminary since I was about 15 years old. It is a blessing in my life, and I am certain that what I learn in seminary will impact how I serve in this position and in the future.
3 years ago, I started a new job and a whole new adventure, which brings me to the NOW.
Here I am, working as a youth minister for the Community of Christ, a church whose mission and message I wish to share. And what I wrote above is true. I really want people to care more... about themselves, each other, God, and the Earth.
Here I am... I hope you join me and others at some retreats, camps, or whatever reason we find to hang out!
Peace and Hope for All, Trish
|
