A nice summer barbeque at a friend’s house was unfolding at a leisurely and blissful pace. Suddenly, the serene picture was jolted into focus as somebody’s six-month old was playfully scooped up by the biggest giant Mindi had ever seen. His huge hands engulfed a tiny body in a tight jaw of an embrace. Surprisingly, a few moments into the ordeal, the kid was not hurting and was even feeling a bit snug in this new version of a Baby Bjorn. A few minutes later a delightful smile was breaking across the youngster’s face. This giant was friendlier than many smaller people and his charms extended beyond the infantile infatuation, capturing attention of at least one young lady. Alas, he had to leave the gathering much too early and it was not until few months later when they met again. Then despite the fleeting nature of their first meeting, he remembered her name and she was in love. Since that day, Rob and Mindi have been inseparable. Or nearly so…
Football has been Rob’s passion since his high school years and it took him farther than most, first to the Western Illinois and then to the professional ranks of the CFL. This career that does not lack challenges as five months out of every year for the past ten Rob has been away from family, in Saskatoon. The heart wrenching and yet extremely rewarding inconveniences of this unique career that encompass letdowns of failure and pinnacles of success. Just last season, having spent his entire career in the tough linesmen ranks, Rob got to score his first touchdown, a memory to treasure.
The football field is not the only place where Rob likes to make an impression as he also works as a substitute high school teacher, a second career that was infused with a boost of patience when Rob and Mindi discovered their love for the Lord. Not raised in Christian homes, their interest in the faith was sparked through Rob’s involvement with Athletes in Action and their work with CFL. It was during one of their outreach functions when both decided to give their hearts to Jesus.
Since then Rob has learned to see things in softer colours apart from his ferocious hits on the gridiron, and Mindi has found a new source of inspiration in her challenging career of a counsellor working with abused women. Frequent eye-opening encounters at work have solidified Mindy’s character, as the Lord has used Mindi to speak peace into the broken hearts of her clients.
With years their family has doubled with the addition of Karsen and Hayden. Their parents’ joy, Karsen and Hayden have made great strides in learning about their Saviour while teaching Rob and Mindi many a lesson in all aspects of parenthood. Seeing their children grow up in the knowledge of the Lord instils a sense of great responsibility and discipline that is a source of pride for even the toughest of giants.
Football has been Rob’s passion since his high school years and it took him farther than most, first to the Western Illinois and then to the professional ranks of the CFL. This career that does not lack challenges as five months out of every year for the past ten Rob has been away from family, in Saskatoon. The heart wrenching and yet extremely rewarding inconveniences of this unique career that encompass letdowns of failure and pinnacles of success. Just last season, having spent his entire career in the tough linesmen ranks, Rob got to score his first touchdown, a memory to treasure.
The football field is not the only place where Rob likes to make an impression as he also works as a substitute high school teacher, a second career that was infused with a boost of patience when Rob and Mindi discovered their love for the Lord. Not raised in Christian homes, their interest in the faith was sparked through Rob’s involvement with Athletes in Action and their work with CFL. It was during one of their outreach functions when both decided to give their hearts to Jesus.
Since then Rob has learned to see things in softer colours apart from his ferocious hits on the gridiron, and Mindi has found a new source of inspiration in her challenging career of a counsellor working with abused women. Frequent eye-opening encounters at work have solidified Mindy’s character, as the Lord has used Mindi to speak peace into the broken hearts of her clients.
With years their family has doubled with the addition of Karsen and Hayden. Their parents’ joy, Karsen and Hayden have made great strides in learning about their Saviour while teaching Rob and Mindi many a lesson in all aspects of parenthood. Seeing their children grow up in the knowledge of the Lord instils a sense of great responsibility and discipline that is a source of pride for even the toughest of giants.
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