Let's Brag on the Wife!

I talk a lot about what we have going on at CTK, but the truth is, none of what I am doing in shepherding this church would be possible outside the example and hard work of my wife, Jenn.

This year, Jenn took a job at a local "experimental" high school to support our family so we can continue in our work with the church. It's been a tough year, mostly because the school that hired her has been plagued with poor leadership and serves as sort of a dumping ground for Durango's undesirables (not to mention leaving her babies in the care of a guy who only teaches them about cars and cooks mac'n'cheese). In spite of the difficulties, Jenn has proved her worth on the staff and has become one of the most respected and valued teachers there. She has not held back from the kids and has actually been able to speak into their lives in creative and profound ways.

The other thing Jenn is really into this year is coaching cheerleading. She has been coaching since her teaching days at Watsonville High School in California. What's amazing about her efforts here is that when she started coaching the cheerleaders at Durango High a year ago, the team was small and mostly known for their lack of character and poise (to say the least). I just went to the banquet they have at the end of the season and I was blown away by how she has invested in and shaped these girls. She has produced a team of girls who are being recognized by the school leadership as examples of character, integrity, and charisma. They are attending camps and are now starting to enter the realm of competition. This year, in particular, they had an experience where one girl's health struggles had the potential of jeopardizing a homecoming routine they had been working on for months. The team decided to put aside the routine in order to support their teammate. In the end, the team came together, this girl was able to pull through, and they nailed the routine anyway.

I'll spend my life trying to teach people about the value of serving God by serving people. My wife just does it for a living. Who's the pastor now?!?