Chelsea Sutherland
Husband’s Name: Joel
Church District: Conference
Schools Attended: Homeschool and Pacific Union College
Profession/Work: Nurse
Hobbies/Interests: Reading novels and autobiographies, crafts, event planning, writing, jogging, aviation (sort of--it's because of Joel!!), cooking, and baking.
How I Met My Husband: Joel and I met when we were working at one of our SDA camps in Prescott, Arizona--Camp Yavapines. We met initially in the juniors department during Spanish camp meeting. My first impression of him was, 'He needs to smile! He's so serious!' But this was because he was in the middle of building a puppet stage from scratch and was on a time crunch!
After things calmed down a little, we started talking and I realized how well we got along and how much we had in common. Finally when camp started--we were both counselors--we became each other's prayer buddies and encouraged one another each day.
We finally had the "I like you" talk after about a month of knowing each other. I truly didn't know if this would turn into a dating relationship but after camp ended in August, Joel told me he was going to come visit for Thanksgiving.
Over the next several months, we facetimed every day and continued getting to know each other. At that time I had JUST begun my nursing program at PUC and Joel was in his last semester at Southern. We continued our long distance relationship, visiting each other over holidays and school breaks. Then fifteen months after we officially started dating, Joel proposed on February 21, 2016. I finished my nursing program in December of 2016 and we tied the knot on March 12, 2017!
How I Became an Adventist: I grew up in an Adventist home. My parents desired that we have a childhood where God was present in our daily lives and that we learned to give back to our church through service. I remember that there was always something we were doing at our church. It was not burdensome to me, and my parents showed me how important balance was in life.
What I Like to Do for Fun: Together she and Joel enjoy outdoor activities, flying, movie nights, cooking, traveling, and ministering.
Favorite Bible Promise: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)