I grew up in Iowa, where I solved math problems and learned needle point in the stands of my brothers’ little league games. I never developed much skill of my own at swinging a bat, so the last time I got on base, I succeeded by following the suggestion one of my brothers made, that I not swing at the ball, resulting in a walk when I probably should have struck out in a slow pitch game, which I only played in because the church team would have otherwise had to forfeit due to lack of players. Although my skills with the needle and math have always been better than my ability to throw a baseball, now that I’m an adult I enjoy the game and cheer for the Red Sox, like my father, although I’m likely to be quilting while watching the game.

More important than baseball, my parents gave me the benefit of growing up in the church, and this was the context for the beginning of my walk with God. While I have come to disagree with the denomination on many issues, I remain grateful for what I learned and the love of hymns I gained.

I went to college at Iowa State University, starting in chemical engineering, but switching to computer engineering. My favorite classes were not quite central to my degree: Engineering Law and Shakespeare. While in school, I took many long walks with, and eventually married, another computer engineering student, Michael.

After graduating, we moved to Minneapolis, where Michael is pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science. We love being part of Bethlehem Baptist Church. We enjoy the multiple options for transportation around town, and have decided to live without owning a vehicle. I love walking to the library and church, although I admit it is more fun on beautiful spring days than in the middle of a Minnesota winter.