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Catherine: I have always dreamed of having a large family. A houseful of beautiful people from all over the world. During our time of waiting after Hadassah (our daughter) was born, I often challenged that dream that God had given me so long ago. Was that really what he wanted for us? Is this really the mission he has called us to? Will this ever be our reality? And even through that wonder and questioning and desperate longing, He continued to say “yes, just not yet”. And so I held onto that dream. I have fallen asleep many nights envisioning my many children whom I have yet to meet.
Corey: Catherine and I both were from different parts of the country and decided to attend the Focus Leadership Institute in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On the first day when all the students arrived, we had a ‘get-to-know-each-other’ party. I was sitting with a group of students chatting and getting to know them, when I saw this beautiful redhead walk into the room. She instantly caught my attention and I leaned over to the person next to me and asked if they knew her name. They unfortunately did not at the time. As the party went on and students were connecting, I noticed that Catherine was putting on her jacket and I thought she might be leaving. I realized my time to introduce myself to Catherine was running out and found an excuse to get out of my current conversation. Thankfully, Catherine was near the snacks and punch section which made it easier to say, “hello.” That introduction would spark a several hour conversation and would ultimately mark the beginning of our next 9 years together.
