The first person we chose was a no brainer. Our wonderful friend Kerri Kairdolf.
Kerri has influenced both of us in major ways. We believe she is a forerunner in helping to redefine the term "church lady" and her post at our church as the Pastor's wife gives her the perfect platform to do so.
For me (Kacey), Kerri coached me through one of the most difficult years of my life. She blasted through walls I had built up like some kind of Jesus loving ninja who has you saying too much before you even realize it. I couldn't scare her away and she loved me without judgement, helped me to feel safe to say what I was thinking, and taught me how to have boundaries while still being loving. By following her example of being confident in God's love and rooted in the Word, I learned how to stand.
From Emily - Kerri played a very big role during the birth of my son emotionally and physically. From day one she was by my side - checking on me and giving me advice before I had Finley, talking me through the fear and questions when I was scared to death (but in total denial that I was) of being induced at 41 weeks, was (thankfully!) by my side in the delivery room on her day off, and she was the first to tell me I didn't have a single stretch mark after Finley's birth (how can you not love that?!). And she didn't stop there. Kerri came over to my house to do all kinds of things that only loving nurses can do to make a new mama feel at ease - help with breastfeeding issues, baby tummy issues, and to love on us when we were completely overwhelmed. When I look back at that season there was honestly no way that I could have made it through without her love and support. It's not uncommon for her to love on my boy when he's in nursery like she's her own and he ADORES her. As does the rest of my family. This very special woman taught me what support looks like - that LOVE DOES - and reminded me to always be teachable.
We both agree that we can all learn and be inspired by Kerri so she was kind enough to answer a few questions for us…check it out:
For me (Kacey), Kerri coached me through one of the most difficult years of my life. She blasted through walls I had built up like some kind of Jesus loving ninja who has you saying too much before you even realize it. I couldn't scare her away and she loved me without judgement, helped me to feel safe to say what I was thinking, and taught me how to have boundaries while still being loving. By following her example of being confident in God's love and rooted in the Word, I learned how to stand.
From Emily - Kerri played a very big role during the birth of my son emotionally and physically. From day one she was by my side - checking on me and giving me advice before I had Finley, talking me through the fear and questions when I was scared to death (but in total denial that I was) of being induced at 41 weeks, was (thankfully!) by my side in the delivery room on her day off, and she was the first to tell me I didn't have a single stretch mark after Finley's birth (how can you not love that?!). And she didn't stop there. Kerri came over to my house to do all kinds of things that only loving nurses can do to make a new mama feel at ease - help with breastfeeding issues, baby tummy issues, and to love on us when we were completely overwhelmed. When I look back at that season there was honestly no way that I could have made it through without her love and support. It's not uncommon for her to love on my boy when he's in nursery like she's her own and he ADORES her. As does the rest of my family. This very special woman taught me what support looks like - that LOVE DOES - and reminded me to always be teachable.
We both agree that we can all learn and be inspired by Kerri so she was kind enough to answer a few questions for us…check it out:
1) Tell us first what one thing people may not know about you?
I was a flight attendant for TWA and was based out of NYC. I flew mostly to international destinations and my very first working flight was to Milan, Italy.
I was a flight attendant for TWA and was based out of NYC. I flew mostly to international destinations and my very first working flight was to Milan, Italy.
2) What phrase/quote/verse is your go to during hard times?
My favorite verse is found in Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
My favorite verse is found in Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
3) Tell us some of your favorite places and/or events in our community.
One of my favorite things about our community is the downtown open air market that we have during the summer months. I love when I have a free Saturday morning to go to the market and buy beautiful, fresh produce and flowers! The sense of community life is so strong and vibrant!
One of my favorite things about our community is the downtown open air market that we have during the summer months. I love when I have a free Saturday morning to go to the market and buy beautiful, fresh produce and flowers! The sense of community life is so strong and vibrant!
4) What fills your cup so you can pour life into others?
I love having downtime to read, reflect and just be still. Stepping away from all of the distractions (appointments, social media, problem solving, etc...). I also enjoying shopping by myself with no schedule/agenda-just taking time to recharge.
I love having downtime to read, reflect and just be still. Stepping away from all of the distractions (appointments, social media, problem solving, etc...). I also enjoying shopping by myself with no schedule/agenda-just taking time to recharge.
5) Your family is a great blend of grand kids and young adults, and you have many commitments to juggle - Well Baby Nursery nurse, Worship Director, mom, wife of a pastor, etc - what keeps you on track/motivated?
Yes, my life does feel like a juggling act a lot of the time. I find what helps me the most is planning and thinking ahead. I try to map out my week before it gets started, communicate with my husband Ron about it and then get busy. I try to keep my house picked up and organized daily. I find when I take the time to do this it helps my mood and helps me function better as
the day/week goes by.
We hope you've enjoyed getting to know our precious friend. Tell us, who in our community inspires you? We'd love to hear - comment or email us and maybe they will be our next feature - or maybe it will be YOU.
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Love this! - mindy Estes
ReplyDeletewhat a sweet friend. 'like a Jesus loving ninja' so good! looking forward to following this series!
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