How do your personal/unique qualities best fit the International System?
The International system promotes women who excel and make a difference in their communities and who are committed to building a strong family life. I believe that I possess those same qualities. I am a giver at heart and I have learned in my 44 years of living that giving to others is not just a gift for them, but it is also a precious gift to me!
What is something few people know about you?
Few people know that I was told by the doctors that I would not be able to have children. With that information, I moved in the direction of foster care as a single parent and trained to be a therapeutic foster mom for two teenagers. The foster care experience was one of the most rewarding, yet one of the most difficult times in my life. That experience is what inspired my involvement with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocacy program). After getting married, however, the former doctor's report was null and void and just three months later we found ourselves pregnant!
What do you do to stay healthy?
Staying physically healthy is very important, but being spiritually healthy is equally important. My daily exercise involves running behind my two very active children! In addition to that, I do a cardio workout every other day to stay in shape and to be healthy. I have changed my cooking and eating habits for both me and my family to involve healthier meals.
Everybody talks about “family values”. What are they?
Family values start with a strong spiritual background. I was taught the importance of a spiritual foundation and the importance of family values by my Mother. It is vitally important for me to spend time with my family and rear my children properly by not allowing the television or my children's peers to raise them. Being taught the difference between right and wrong as a child and now in turn having the opportunity to teach my children this important family value has been priceless!
What is your worst habit? Why?
My worst habit would have to be that I don't say no enough! I love to help people and because of that, I find myself over-extending myself often. When I see a need I typically don't even give it any thought, I just move into 'help mode'.
