Acquiring and growing her Christian faith was instrumental in Karin’s childhood when raised by her grandparents in war-torn Germany in the 1940s. She never knew her father, and her mother was incapable of raising her.
“I immigrated to the United States at age 14,” recalled Karin, “with my birth mother and step-father after an extremely difficult separation from my grandparents. My faith strengthened me, and I sought out churches and attended services by myself. Building relationships with fellow believers in a welcoming church sustained me through several moves in my life and finally to Green Valley in 2021.”
Because of her Lutheran upbringing, Karin and her husband came to Desert Hills. Unfortunately, their initial experiences were not that positive. “People weren’t very outgoing or friendly, and we didn’t feel welcome,” Karin said. “However, we loved the sermons and the music, especially the lyrics of the hymns and songs from the Celebration Singers.”
Karin decided to take the initiative. “I will help make Desert Hills a more welcoming and friendly place for others. That’s why I said, ‘Yes,’ to an invitation from a fellow church member to staff the Welcome Desk. Besides welcoming members and visitors, my husband and I have also joined a Tables of Eight. We love the opportunities to make friends and build relationships through small group gatherings.”
Thank you for your commitment to fellowship, and thanks to Karin for her smile and welcome on Sunday mornings. Karin says, “I like to be involved with people – that’s my gift!”