It has been quite a while since I have written on this blog and thought today was a good day to write about how August 18, 2017 changed my life forever. Although you can read the full story here in the post titled, Brews, a beard, and a beauty: A Catholic Love Story, today is the day that I met my wife.

After being talked into going to Catholic Beer Club by a friend and driving reluctantly across Phoenix Metro from Gilbert, I never would have imagined that I would meet the woman that I now call my wife and the mother of my children. There are times that I still can’t fathom the idea of how it all happened, but one thing is certain, it was God’s will and I imagine that my Dad also helped a bit too. He passed away April of 2015 and my Mom still says that I met my wife because my father interceded on my behalf. Even though I believe that my Dad sees us in different way, it is still hard for me to know that he will never meet the love of my life and my children.

If you have never read the story above, I would read that before continuing on.

My wife and I are now living in Bismarck, ND and we have two boys, both under the age of two. I am working at the University of Mary in what I would call a complete career change. After working for the Catholic Church in a variety of parishes and schools, I am now the Director of Mission and Hospitality for Dining Services. I essentially oversee the hospitality and mission of our dining options on campus, serve as an Ambassador to the students when it comes to dining, and many other aspects that correlate around dining and working with UMary Dining Services. Every day is different although most days follow a common theme.

If you are a new follower to my blog and website, you are probably unaware of the story on how I lost my job at a Catholic parish in Gilbert, endured months of unemployment and found myself, with my family, living and working in the Upper Midwest – a region of the country that wasn’t even on my radar four years ago. To read this full story, I would encourage you to read my post titled, The Flight into the Dakotas. 

Since moving to the Upper Midwest, we have done all that we can to embrace the harsh winters months, although this year wasn’t as cold as some. I have even been ice fishing twice already – the first time was the day it was -30 below zero without the wind chill (yes, you read that correctly!). I am looking forward to Pheasant Season and Deer Season. We are super excited for actual Fall with the trees changing colors and all. I have been open water fishing once this summer on my brother-in-law’s boat, and even played a round of golf, a sport I didn’t think was played here until I moved here. Ha!

Please pray for my family and I as we continue to learn more about the Upper Midwest (although my wife is from South Dakota) and learn to embrace our new life here. Owning a home here is much different than owning a home in Arizona. The Blessed Mother played an important role in our dating, engagement, and still does in our marriage. Ask her to intercede for us and for all families. Thank you.