| My earliest memory is when I asked Jesus to come into my heart at 5 years old. If you really want to get me talking, ask me about my faith journey.
One of the hardest struggles in my life has to be the birth defect to my left leg. It is called Proteus Syndrome with Lymph Hemangioma. It basically means that my veins and lymphatic system are at the surface of the skin and have a hard time circulating. As a result, it is swollen and can be painful. I've had many operations which have led to me walking on crutches.
Growing up, and not being very athletic, I joined a balloon twisting club after school. This allowed me to do something with my hands while all my other friends played sports. My hobby quickly opened many doors for me. It turned from just a talent into a business. I was in 8th grade when I first got paid $80 to twist balloons for 2 hours. I quickly realized that this was going to be something I wanted to stick with.
Starting in High School, I was asked to travel around to share my testimony. I told about my disability to encourage people of what they are capable of overcoming. When I was in my early twenties, one of these travels led me to Honduras. That week-long trip turned into teaching at an orphanage for two years. It was a very precious time in my life and to this day I still stay in contact with many of those I taught while I was there.
When I felt that it was time for me to move back to the States, I had a friend who recruited me to work for their small non-profit organization which happened to be in Lingle, Wyoming. This is where I really started to use my business degree from Spring Arbor University. While the job didn't last long, my short time in Goshen County made it feel like home. I have now owned my home in Lingle for over 11 years.
Life really changed about 4 years ago when I went to Florida to visit some friends. During my stay I was invited to go on a short mission trip to Honduras, where I twisted balloons for the group. After that experience I decided to attend Bible school in Florida for a short season, which led to me getting married to a friend I met on that mission trip.
In Honduras, Charissa and I were always paired together because she was fearless when it came to twisting balloons. During Bible school we became close friends. While visiting Florida was nice, I've always known that Wyoming was home so I asked Charissa if she would like to get married and move to Wyoming with me.
It has been so fun to watch my wife fall in love with Goshen County and the people here. We have chosen Wyoming, there isn't anywhere else we'd rather live. We love this community and want to do everything possible to keep this State the gem that it is.
Over the last two years I have been following state politics quite closely and have been amazed that the leadership of the State doesn't resemble the citizens of our communities. I always thought that Wyoming was a RED state politically; very conservative, believed in the constitution, and our freedoms listed within.
As I observed the State Legislature, I quickly realized that was not the case. I believe in the Wyoming State Republican Party Platform. Many of our elected Republican officials do not vote in line with the party platform. This is a disappointing reality.
This is why I'm running. Goshen County needs a representative that stands by the republican party and will vote accordingly. I want to represent you and conservative Christian views at the State Legislature. Our founding forefathers were led by the Lord to uphold Biblical values in establishing our government, I would like the opportunity to do the same. |