Oct 2017

Carissa

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Carissa is one of my dearest friends. We both uprooted our families and settled in the Portland metro area more than nine years ago. We really should never have met, but God knew we needed each other. We live forty minutes from each other in different areas of the Portland suburbs, but ended up choosing the same large church and met in a small group.

When we met, we both had Tiny Humans and were in the thick of trying to raise them to be Decent Adult Humans. Both of us love running. When we discovered we were both training for the 2010 Portland marathon, we decided to train together. Our first training run was 18 hilly miles through Newberg’s gorgeous wine country. We left my driveway as acquaintances and returned as friends.

Carissa and I have built off that friendship for the past eight years. Since we live so far apart, we often meet in the middle to run. It has taken a lot of intentionality to get together and stay connected. Mile after mile, side by side, we have shared each other’s burdens, celebrated our successes, and grown our friendship into one that will last a lifetime. We exchange almost daily text messages. When I need someone to pray for me, Carissa is one of the first people I call. Carissa is steadfast. Faithful. Intelligent. Contemplative. Wise. Determined. Loyal. Courageous. It is a privilege to be her friend.

Carissa and I both gave up careers to raise our kids. Our Formerly Tiny Humans are now well on their way to being Decent Adult Humans. Thirteen years after saying goodbye to a successful career in tax accounting, Carissa is back to work for the same tax firm she left so many years ago. The fact that they jumped at the chance to reintegrate Carissa into their firm speaks to her intellect, work ethic and professionalism. It was my great joy to celebrate her return to the work force by taking some contemporary corporate portraits of Carissa. Isn’t she lovely?

Well done my beautiful friend. Enjoy this new chapter in your life. Cheers!