Hi everyone!  I’m Noah- the third-born child of Jeff and Cindy and the oldest boy in the family.  Sitting beside me is my beautiful wife, Sarah.  We’ve been married for over five years now and we’re excited to welcome our second child in early May!

I grew up like most little boys, getting into some trouble and playing almost any sport my parents would sign me up for. I broke a few things in our house playing soccer or basketball inside and wrestling with my brothers.  Playing soccer & basketball through high school, my family supported and cheered me on.

Now that I’m older, I’m still searching and preparing for exactly what God wants me to do.  I’m starting to understand some ways He wants to expand and teach me so He can use me in a bigger way.  I’m continuing my education by switching directions and attending Bible College this fall.  Right now, I’m serving in our Youth Group, as well as sound technician, small group leader, prayer team member, children’s church worker,  and other areas.  I’ve also been a high school JV basketball coach for two years.

Sarah and I are enjoying an amazing marriage!  Of course, it’s not perfect and we encounter our share of trials and difficulties, but there is NOTHING like going through this “hard stuff”  with your best friend who is committed to doing things God’s way as you are.  We get the pleasure of working together every day.  We manage our own cleaning business and praise God for the flexibility it allows us to have in ministry opportunities.  We’re getting pretty excited about the addition of our new little one in late July or August! That’s a little about us……

Here are some of my first thoughts when finding out my parents were going to have another child- Bethany. 

Well, of course, when Mom and Dad sat us down, said they wanted to tell us something, and they had those “crazy smiles” on their faces, my sister, Sarah, and I were the first to catch on.  We were pretty sure about what they were about to say.  I remember the whole family feeling so much joy and happiness!  At that moment, I just wished the baby could be there and be a part of our family already!

  Well, it’s been a while since then and Bethany has been an amazing person to meet and become a part of our family!

When I first heard Bethany had downs syndrome, I didn’t know what to think.  To be honest, I didn’t know much about it but God gave me a grace to feel a deep peace about her future and who she would grow up to be. 

I could tell it had thrown my parents for a loop- they seemed really sad for a while and were unsure what it mean for her, and for us as a family.  I remember mom researching and studying trying to get up to speed and each time she told us what she found out, it seemed there was good news about how kids with downs syndrome were learning and achieving things that before had been unheard of!  Deep inside, I really felt like “it” wouldn’t make much of a difference for Bethany- now maybe that was ignorance- or maybe it was just pure grace.

I think there are two sides to see.  On one hand, Bethany does have a harder time doing some things and it probably will take her longer to learn most things (except phone numbers and texting 🙂 ) ; but she has more heart and drive than most.  So as much as I would love to take this disability away from her, God has shown me not to feel sorry for her but to enjoy her as my little sister!  Sarah and I want to be there for her and to learn from her.  She is exactly who God made her to be and we have no doubt she’ll be able to do what He created for. Sarah and I see that Bethany is not a complainer- she rolls with the punches and teaches us to do the same.  Bethany cares!  She can be sick, throwing up, or something going wrong, but then calls to check on us and how we’re doing.  She has lifted our spirits many times and made us laugh.  I have seen her go up to new people at church and greet more people than all the others combined.  She loves to help and is always thinking of others.  She has taught me so much about how to live- in fact, her zeal and love for others is really what God says life is all about!

John 13:34,35  “A new commandment I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”

 Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourself.”

 I think that Bethany somehow reflects the heart of God and that is something that inspires me and encourages me to do the same.  I love my family and as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate them even more!  I am realizing the amount of “stuff” they have taught me over the years.  My siblings are great friends and companions that I cherish very much.  My parents have been such an inspiration to me and have help shape me by modeling a Christ centered life.  Not a perfect life—-but a real life of change and pursuing God, my Father, while looking for the surprising treasures that He has filled our lives with!