When raising children we want to offer them encouragement and freedom to grow in their own unique creative course. We hope to inspire their imagination and allow them to learn about this world one rainbow covered storm cloud at a time. We hope to lead by example and so never expect what we are not modeling. Thank you for spending the time to read a little of our story up to this point. If it is God's purpose, we pray we will get to know a little more of your story as well.

Peyton Andrea Job Description Pastor & Bible College Lecturer Teacher & Future Stay-at-Home Mom Education Licensed Registered Nurse (RN), Ordained Minister & Currently Finishing Master's Degree in Pastoral Studies BA in English Literature, a Teaching Credential & MA in Creative Writing Favorites Beverage / Drink Coffee Beverage / Drink Fruit Smoothie Dream Job Cartoonist Dream Job Published Writer Movie Type Superhero Film Movie Type Drama Musical Group U2 Musical Group U2 Vacation Spot North Shore, Oahu Vacation Spot Capri, Italy Children None

Andrea has known Peyton since she was sixteen years old. Nineteen years later, she still admires all the same things she saw in him then. He is a man of conviction and hardworking, willing to go the extra mile when others toss in the towel. Andrea loves Peyton's creative nature as well and his ability to play and have fun. In all the years since they've met, she has never run out of good conversation or a best friend.

Peyton loves Andrea's sense of humor and adventurous spirit. She is always quick to point out the humorous twist in stressful situations. Her lust for life keeps things from getting boring, and means that she is always able to roll with whatever tidal waves life brings our way. She has a nurturing spirit that Peyton first noticed many years ago, exhibited through her love and care for nieces/nephews, pets, or anybody who needs some TLC. Most of all, Peyton admires her spiritual devotion to God.

Although we were both born in the States and think of ourselves as Americans, we have a rich cultural heritage. Native American blood runs through the veins of Peyton's family, being descended from the Muskagee Indian tribe of central Alabama. This is proudly blended with a very strong Celtic heritage.

Like many families that have immigrated to America in recent generations, Andrea's family is very proud to be American. Andrea's maternal grandparents immigrated from Jerusalem and Andrea's mom was born in the States. Raised in the Greek Orthodox tradition, the Christian Arabic community love to eat and find any excuse to get together around a family table. Walking into the large family kitchen, you will find gathered around the table a diverse array of cultures spanning from Arabic, Thai, African American, Mexican, Jewish, Dutch and any blend of white. While the family finds much joy and humor in their diverse cultural heritage and wide array of blended traditions, it centers on the importance of the family unit, love and acceptance. Our embracing other cultures led us to move to Wales in 1999, where we plan to stay another two years before moving back to Coastal California.

Our families have had many experiences with adoption. Andrea has two cousins on her father's side who were adopted. Her Aunt adopted a baby boy and later a baby girl. As a single college student Andrea spent time working in an orphanage in Thailand and always envisioned herself as someone who would one day adopt. Peyton's Aunt placed her baby for adoption when she was only 17 years old. Peyton's cousin has also adopted two children. This has deeply impacted the family's understanding of the adoption process both from the perspectives of both the adopting couple and the Birth Mother.

Our Church Community

Peyton and Andrea believe that life is about having a personal relationship with God. They both came to the same faith in Jesus Christ in completely different ways; Peyton was not raised believing, whereas Andrea was raised in a Christian home. Coming from these two backgrounds has allowed them a unique perspective on both what it is like to be raised with or without faith. In their personal walks with God they believe that love is the most important thing that God asks of Christians. This love expresses itself chiefly through love given to God first, which leads to a greater love for other people. Love has become the governing principle in Peyton and Andrea's faith over the years and has helped them not to become stuffy, religious or judgmental. They like to think of themselves as very committed, but equally relaxed. This type of faith has made it very easy for them to be down-to-earth in the same way that they believe Jesus was when He walked among us.

In regards to raising a child in the same faith, Peyton and Andrea believe that it will become a matter of personal choice for the child eventually. Whereas religion is forced, relationship with God is natural. Peyton and Andrea will choose to raise the child with as much spiritual guidance as possible, without violating the child's God-given right to choose what he or she personally believes.