I don’t think I have anticipated anything like we have been anticipating our time at St. Paul’s. Our entire family is so excited to be here. We have already been so blessed by the congregation, especially, Nathaniel, Kevin, and Pastor Micah. They have given us a great feeling about what is to come. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to take a risk on an intern!
Micah gave me this outlet to introduce our family. Stephanie and I have been married for 10 years, and we have been blessed with 5 children. I grew up in Crookston, MN and attended AFLBS after high school. After travelling through Canal Winchester Ohio while on the Ambassadors team, I was invited to return there and work as a Parish Worker once I graduated Bible School. I only intended to stay for a year, but agreed to a second at the last minute. I met Stephanie in a coffee shop that year, fell in love, got married, bought a house, and started having kids. The rest is history. We lived there, attending Peace Free Lutheran Church, until we were called to come to seminary.
Stephanie, got her BSN from Capital University (only coincidentally a Lutheran school) in Bexley Ohio and immediately began working at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she worked until we moved. She makes a great nurse and misses doing patient care (although she has 6 consistent patients at home!).
The kids, of course, are each remarkably unique. Thor(vald) just turned 9. He is an avid reader, a capable big brother, and probably the goofiest of the bunch. Solomon, 7, survived leukemia but you wouldn’t know it. He is industrious and kind. Iris turns 5 this month and is perfectly sweet, she’s learning how to read and seems to be unstoppable in this pursuit. Louisa turned 3 on Reformation Day. Never has a child brought so much joy AND frustration—often in the span of just 5 minutes! She has a big personality. Finally, we have Felicity who was born June 27th of last year. God answered my prayers for a pleasant child. She is a true delight and it’s fun to see her personality blossom.
The kids have been perusing the picture directory that Pr. Micah gave us and have become experts on the activities of the church. They are excited to be a part of the ministry and I know it will be a great experience for us all. We are excited to get to know you all of you and look forward to 2018!
Ryan Patenaude