Reply To: Let’s share a little about ourselves!

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Grace Clayton
Participant

As evidenced by this belated post, I’m often late to the party but when I’m there I’m 100% there!

Mark and I have been married for almost 12 years and we have a very lively 6 old daughter who keeps us on our toes! I waited a long time for a family and I thank God everyday for Mark and Ali and the crazy adventure our little family is on. I hope and pray that Ali will learn to love and follow Jesus.

I’m originally from South Africa. I lived in England for 6 years before coming to the USA 20 years ago.

I have had a varied career path including being a social worker, doing mergers and acquisitions for a large corporation, being general manager of a high-tech manufacturing facility, esthetician, massage therapist and a campground owner!

My faith journey has been a circuitous one … I fell in love with Jesus shortly after finishing high-school and grew rapidly in my faith. I entered full-time Christian ministry straight out of college but burned out after 4 years. I became disillusioned with Christians and the Church in general and I turned away from God. Over time Jesus drew me back to himself and I’ve been trying to walk more closely with him the past 15 years. I try to stay away from formal responsibilities within the Church as I find it quickly becomes a “job” for me. My understanding of what it means to follow Jesus has changed so much over the course of my journey and I know there is much more change to come!

I am naturally curious and I love to learn. I always have a question brewing or something that I’m cogitating on.

I am quite a driven person. I love new challenges and new adventures. I tend to over commit and work too hard. I often leap before I look and so get myself into ‘interesting’ situation which can be quite anxiety provoking!

I am trying to slow down and be more intentional. I am trying to foster more open, transparent relationships. I am trying to undo my cultural programming about the “right” way to live and instead respond to what Jesus is calling me to and order my life by his priorities.

I don’t think that’s 5 things but hopefully it gives you a little insight into me 🙂

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