MEET KARIN!
Where were you born? Belleville, Illinois
Tell us about your family! My husband, Edwin, and I will celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary in May. We have four children: Michael (30) who is married to Briana, Catherine (26), Nicholas (22), and Samuel (18). All four of them attended St. Serra Catholic school and JSerra Catholic High School. We have been members of Solano since moving to California in 2000.
What is your favorite part about Solano? Solano is family! We have always lived far from our own families back in Illinois and Kentucky, so our church and school friends have become our family here in California. From nursery to MOPS, St. Serra and through the altar server ministry we have literally watched our community grow up beside our own children. I love that I get to help people find their fit at Solano whether it be in liturgical ministry or helping with one of our big events. We all have gifts to offer from our time and talents. I love helping others give back.
What does "Belong" mean to you? Belong means being accepted both for who we are and where we are on our own faith journey. It also means being responsible back to those we belong to. Belonging is being an active participant not just a bystander.
What is something people most likely don't know about you? I'm a pretty open book, if you spend much time with me, you'll get to know me easily. I grew up in a family of four girls. We used to tease our dad that he ran a sorority house. I have always loved being around people and am a social extrovert, but I can be very uncomfortable in totally new situations. That would probably shock those who know me - since I get over that feeling once we start talking.
What is your favorite song? Amazing Grace - it was my dad's favorite and the only one I'd sing to my babies. I am not "vocally gifted" as you might say, but I sing in church because He gave me my voice so He must love it. My apologies to those around me. :)
What is your favorite food? Roasted pork loin with veggies and apples
Most embarrassing moment in your life? I have always been an event planner. In college I planned the homecoming halftime show and was admittedly naive. I envisioned this awesome card display in the student section that would spell out a message. I didn't anticipate that a bunch of tipsy fraternity and sorority members might also confuse those poster boards as paper airplane making supplies. Needless to say, things didn't turn out quite the way I'd imagined, and I learned a valuable lesson that day.
Random/fun fact about yourself? I was an independant study major in school. My degree was in the process of being certified at the time, so I was one of the first to have a degree in Arts Administration. There is now a whole department at the University of Kentucky and you can even earn a masters in it today.
What is your vision for Solano? That Solano is a place where all feel welcome. That people here can actively live out their faith and become involved in ministries that both feed their souls and enrich the lives of others in our community. That our children remain active participants and grow to raise their own families to experience the love and belonging we have come to know.