Welcome to MyOrthodoxFamily.com! Tell us who you are.
I’m a Virginian married to a Russian and living in Switzerland. I am mother to 5 children, ages 5 months-11.
In college I studied art history and I especially enjoy visiting historic houses and gardens. Mostly my daily life is consumed with aspects of raising children and household work.
I came to the Orthodox Church partly through my husband, but he came to Christianity partly through me–And then he sort of dragged me away from the high-church Anglicans to the Eastern Rite Orthodox.
What do you most enjoy sharing? What do you feel most called to share?
I mostly share pictures from our daily life, interesting or beautiful aspects of Switzerland, and sometimes I include some introspective glimpses into how I actually feel about life. My Orthodox faith comes into it as well.
The world of social media is complex. What do you see as difficult and as redemptive about sharing your journey in this way?
I use social media to connect with similar-minded mothers across geographic divides. I think the little glimpses into our lives are limited, but better than nothing at all.
On IG in particular the pictures are “worth a thousand words.” In this sharing we learn from each other and we see that we’re not alone in our goals as mothers and as Orthodox.
Also I’m a bit obsessed with beauty, and I try to post lovely images, and I enjoy seeing others’ lovely images, particularly when I’m having a “gray day” and could use some beautiful uplifting scenery.
What is your earliest, distinctly Orthodox memory?
My first encounter with Orthodoxy was as a teenager: I was at our local downtown open-air mall and there was a market between the shops with mostly international sellers. One of the sellers looked unusual–a man wearing a long robe, long white beard, and a big cross necklace. I was curious and approached his booth, and I remember hearing liturgical chant music playing softly in the background. I saw icons, prayer ropes, incense, Orthodox books and CDs, and cross necklaces for sale. We spoke just a little and I thought he was interesting. And even though my family of origin was Christian, his goods felt pretty exotic. Who would have predicted that in about 15 years I’d be also Orthodox? Maybe he prayed for me.
What do you hope will be the mark you leave on the world as you pass through it?
I’d hope to be remembered as loving and giving and hospitable. I’d also like people to experience peace and beauty when they come to my home.
My Orthodox Family 