Carri
Carri grew up in Baltimore and studied Early Childhood Education at Towson University. Before college she figured that attending church and being a good person were the keys to being accepted by God, but she felt distant from Him and unsure of how He felt about her. A college friend shared the great news that she could have an intimate relationship with her Creator through Jesus Christ, and she began that relationship shortly after. She hasn't been the same since.
- Carri Loves...
- being a Mom
- laughter
- Tex/Mex food
- friendship
- the beach
- Date Night with Luke
- knowing her Prince of Peace
- Carri Doesn't Love...
- the last 30 minutes before we go out of town
- what humidity does to her hair
- any party game that forces you to perform individually
- conflict
Luke
Luke was raised in Northern Virginia and attended the University of Virginia to study Aerospace Engineering. He came to know God personally at a young age, but by the time he reached college he was "enjoying" the life of a prodigal son. He reluctantly joined a CCC Bible study, which became instrumental in awakening Luke to what he was missing in his relationship with his Heavenly Father. During Spring Break of 1991, Luke placed his heart, will, dreams and future in the hands of his Savior, and he can't imagine where he'd be had he not made that decision.
- Luke Loves...
- his family
- learning anything related to technology
- Chili's bottomless chips and salsa
- Christian artists who pursue excellence for the glory of God
- independent hip hop music with substance
- his Father's unfathomable grace
- Luke Doesn't Love...
- his fallen nature
- being an event-oriented person in a time-oriented culture
- the Fortress Mentality
- when people are unwilling to forgive and reconcile
Becoming One
Several years into Luke's college career, a beautiful woman showed up as a new CCC staff member at UVA. Luke admired her from afar, and over time they developed a great friendship. Luke eventually got up the guts to ask Carri out, and God began to knit their hearts together. Luke and Carri were united in marriage in December of 1995. Three key elements have provided a solid foundation for their marriage: 1) a shared faith, 2) learning that love is a choice rather than a feeling, and 3) weathering life's storms together as a team.
Jacob
Jacob Malachi Simpson was born on May 24, 2003 and became a part of our family 6 days later. His middle name means "angel of God" in Hebrew, a perfect description of what he has been in our lives. For the full story of how God blessed us with the precious little guy, go here.
Being Jacob's Mommy and Daddy has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling things we have experienced, and we can't imagine life without him. He has a smile that could melt an iceberg, a passion for exploration and a heart full of love.
- Jacob Loves...
- anything with wheels
- crunchy, high-carb snacks
- making engine and wild animal sounds
- doggies
- pushing the stroller all the way home from the playground
- Jacob Doesn't Love...
- sitting still
- almost any food besides crunchy, high-carb snacks
