About Jill…

To give you a bit of a look into my life up to this point I guess that I should go back in time to a small town in central Iowa- Perry to be exact. That is where I was born. I was actually raised in a family that ended up a large blended family with my mom and dad, three brothers and two sisters. I was in the middle of all of that and blessed to be given the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy.

Of course you need to read Clay’s blog about himself before you continue with this one as he gives a good introduction to our meeting each other at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. I knew at the time that Clay was an honest man with a strong character that I wanted to have as my friend. Working together as resident assistants on the dorm staff was so much fun and our friendship grew over the time we were in school together. Looking back, we knew that ours was a good relationship but Clay graduated a semester before me and I went on to graduate school and we left and went on to continue our lives in different directions.

I’ve been a speech therapist for the last 26 years in public schools in Kansas City, KS. and the North Kansas City school district. I’ve found that the Lord gave me a love for children and helping them with their communication skills has been a real gift to ME. There have been times that I’ve had my heart broken by one or more of them but what a gift! All this time I’ve never regretted my career choice and thanked God that I was able to go on that path from the beginning.

Having two girls, I have also realized that we are not to raise children without our Heavenly Father’s help. I came to have a serious relationship with Jesus about 10 years ago. He has continued to show love and mercy to me in my life and given all of the members of the family love that only comes from Him.

Another place that my heart goes to is hanging out with the homeless in the city.

Skipping ahead FEW YEARS… Clay and I have reconnected and one of the first things he mentioned to me was his previous trip to Kenya. My heart was already wanting to be part of that ministry!