But today I am writing to continue introducing you to the Steering Team members and today I have two more for you to meet: Mandy Bushnell and Alison Bogue. So, without further ado, let me get to them...
Mandy Bushnell, Service
I am half German and, because I’m an Army brat, I spent about half my childhood in Germany. I graduated high school there and chose to go to college in Tennessee simply for the in-state tuition (my dad is originally from Chattanooga) and I haven’t lived anywhere else since!
I met my husband while attending Austin Peay and while he was stationed here with the Army. So we are actually both transplants. My husband got out of the Army before we got married and now works in civilian law enforcement. We’ve been married nearly 10 years and have 2 children-Kaley is 4 and John Dylan is 2.
I work part time at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. It allows me to keep up my certification as well as my sanity (well, sometimes). I remember when I first joined this group 4 years ago; I was still working night shift but I needed this group so much that I just made it work even if it meant coming to meetings after working all night. Boy, am I glad those days are behind me! I don’t consider myself outgoing but because this group has meant so much to me, I find it easy to share about it with nearly any mom I meet. I want them to feel the Godly love, support, and community that I have the past 4 years.
This is my second year as Service Coordinator and I truly love it! It brings me great joy to help others!
Alison Bogue, Hospitality
I was born, raise, and am currently in Henrietta, TN. My husband, Joshua, and I have five children.
My story with our group began when our oldest child was one and I was pregnant with our second. God had been doing a lot in my life then. We had been removed from our church, the only one I had ever known. Joshua and I were trying to figure out what to do. I felt totally lost and ungrounded. It didn't help that Emma, my oldest, was uncontrollable. She has been a strong-willed child from birth and I had pretty much reached my limit.
One Friday in May, I went walking at the Family Life Center with my mom. Emma saw a group of children in the gym and ran right for them. I was six months pregnant at the time, so it took a while for me to catch her. As you can imagine, a large, pregnant woman screaming and chasing a small child drew some attention. By the time I caught Emma, I was crying and begging forgiveness from everyone in earshot. Heather Lopp patted my shoulder and said ti was okay. She was co-coordinator of the Hilldale Mother's of Preschoolers group at the time. She told me they loved kids and Emma was fine. They were having their end of the year party. By the time I left, I had a brochure and a plan to join in August.
My first year was wonderful. I just knew that God had placed me there. Our second daughter was born that year and we were expecting our first son by the end. I fell in love with this group and wanted to help other moms who were struggling as much as me. I was a table leader the next two years and have been Hospitality for the last four. I am truly blessed at every meeting because I am able to serve others.
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