September 2022

Happy Monday!

First of all, can anyone else believe we are halfway through September? It is crazy, but I think everyone is ready for some fall weather. Sweater weather and cozy fall colors are things I look forward to all year!

This section will be smaller this month. Mostly because I am not sure it is super interesting that we are working on forming a board, creating policies, figuring out bank accounts, and getting ready to submit our gov’t paperwork to be an official 501c3 organization. But I will say we are learning so much right now!

We do praise the Lord that through the very small fundraiser last month we were able to raise enough money for all gov’t paperwork, get information that helps us create our policies, business plan, etc., and continue to set us up for success!
Speaking of the last fundraiser, you probably received your shirts, if you ordered them. We hope you think they are as amazing as we do! Thank you for your supporting us!

Before our next newsletter comes out our website will be live, isn’t that exciting? The goal is the end of the month— we are getting so close! So set a reminder on your calendar to look up www.coveredwaters.org on October 1st!

Our big prayer request this month is ….
We are having a full-day meeting in a couple of weeks. The goal for that meeting is to come away with our three-year plan, budget, and the beginning of our case for support. It is a TON of work. Please pray that we have the energy to get it all done, the creativity to come up with solutions to problems, AND for unity in our team.

Ok, that was longer than I thought it was! But, thank you so much for coming alongside of us- we appreciate all of you!

Over the next few months, we are going to introduce you to the team. We are starting with Tina this month. Read below to find out some fun facts about her and her role in Covered Waters

In Him,
Tina, Bailey, and Katie

Meet Tina!

Hey Friends, 

Thank you for coming along on this journey with us. When I was “elected” Executive Director there was nothing short of fear rising up in me. And when I work on Covered Waters stuff I wonder if I have what it takes to “lead the team”. But, God has made it very clear to all three of us that this is what we are to be doing, so I will be faithful. 

Let me introduce myself to those of you that don’t know me…

• First and foremost, I love Jesus. I know that I fail often but try to live my life in a way that glorifies and honors Him.

• I have been in full-time ministry for more than 15 years (since graduating college!). I was the program director at Camp Rivercrest, served 10 years as a missionary in Central Mexico, and currently serve as the Director of Recruitment for Avant Ministries (my missionary sending agency).

• I just returned “home”. After 13 years of living in Mexico and Kansas City, I live in Nebraska again! No matter where life takes me, Nebraska always is home. Also, a die-hard Cornhusker fan…. even when we aren’t doing so well =)

• I feel completely blessed by my current living situation. I get to live on the same property as one of my favorite families. After living through a pandemic a.l.o.n.e, it is amazing to live next to my best friend and her family as they raise five little humans. It is fun to be a full-time “aunt”.

• When I am not working you will likely find me doing something creative. I love the process of creating. I am usually elbow-deep in clay, vinyl for the circuit, paint, puzzles, etc.

• I have the world’s best dog, Hippo. She brings tremendous joy to my life and she is always found right next to me… usually snoring. Check my Instagram for all the pictures of Hippo!

• Oh and if you ever come to visit me, you will be introduced to my indoor jungle.

• Life is full of ups and downs and my life has not been the exception. The ups and downs of my life do not define who I am but have influenced how I want to serve. God has formed me into a person that has the ability to give unconditional love to the people who society has not, the person who wants to help cheer people on to success, and one who doesn’t mind having hard conversations with people in order to help them grow.

Again, thank you for joining us on this wild ride that God has called us to. What he has done with this project and in our hearts in the last several months is nothing short of miraculous. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to not forget the calling, balance everything that I have going on, and continue to settle into life in Nebraska. 

If you want to reach me, send me an email, I would love to hear from you!