When a California boy met an Illinois girl those decades ago, little did we dream that we’d have a growing little family of surfers and Kingdom kids! We love how God continues to teach us, shape us, and make us ready to serve Him more! Here’s a little bit about each one of us, from the smallest to the tallest:
I’m Kruz and my name means cross in Spanish! I’m the one who smiles the most in the family and I love playing with all my older brothers and sisters. Mommy says I’ve been the easiest and happiest baby so far. You’re welcome!
I’m Ky and my name means ocean! I’m the first one in our family to be born so close to the ocean and I already love the sand! I sometimes go on the boogie board with Daddy, but mostly I like to wade in the shallow water, jump over the tiny waves, or play up on the sand by Mommy. I’m always on the move and especially love playing with my 3 brothers!
I’m Kody! I love the water and and love my family! I just learned how to swim and got to snorkel a lot in Kauai where the water is WARM! I also caught the wave of my life in the shallow surf of Hanalei Bay where I paddled onto a nice long wave, got up right away, and then jumped and changed from goofy (right foot forward) to regular (left foot forward) stance! I’m getting better at reading and love to read the Bible with my dad.
I’m Megan, but some of my family calls me Megs. I’m eight years old and love learning how to read, playing monster trucks with Kade and Kody, and making crafts with my sisters. At the beach I like playing in the sand right by the water’s edge, digging and building. I used to hang onto my dad’s back and we would ride waves together, but mostly I like going way far out into the deep water by myself on a boogie board and trying to catch the biggest waves. I just learned how to paddle onto some smaller waves on Kade’s surfboard and then stand up on my own. I also love gymnastics! My dad says I’m fearless. And a bit crazy.
Hey I’m Kade! And I love playing with my brother and sisters, playing drums, and anything musical. I love being an older brother / example to my younger siblings. I’m the pianist at our church and just bought my own electric guitar since I’m learning guitar and ukulele. At the beach you can find me: surfing on my fishtail shortboard, playing drums behind the giant Pismo Beach sign by the pier, or making a sand castle with my brother. I hope to grow up to be a man of God’s Word just like my dad.
Hey! It’s Madison! I am 18 years old, and I love the beach! My favorite thing at the beach used to be the sand, but a few years ago that changed when I experienced the warm water of San Diego. Now, I love surfing so much better. I also enjoy boogie boarding, which is a bit easier for me. When I’m not out in the water, I enjoy holding my bunny (Mr. Puffs) and staying on top of my homework now that I’m going into my senior year of high school. I love any sort of crafts from making decorative cards to knitting and crocheting. I have a huge collection of washi tape (decorative tape) that I use for making crafts, and . . . everything else. Recently, I have enjoyed practicing calligraphy.
Hi I’m Michaela! 👋🏼 People say I’m good at surfing, but if I had to choose I’d much rather be boogie boarding or body surfing. (Body surfing is the closest you can get to swimming while also trying to catch a wave).
When I was one month old my parents thought it would be cute and fun to stand me up on a surfboard! I’m not sure what I thought then but I can tell you now that I think they were crazy! 😜 If you were worried about me possibly freezing at one month old in the ocean, don’t worry! They put me on a board in the Dominican Republic so the water was really warm. Ever since that day eighteen years ago in the Dominican Republic, I’ve pretty much spent our family beach days in the water. Sometimes the whole entire time.
If you don’t see me in my lucky wetsuit splashin’ in the ocean and practicing my surf slang, then you might try to find me in these other places: In my room sewing, teaching preschool to Kody, knitting, practicing Spanish with my reflection in the mirror, using my Cricut machine or playing piano. Of course there’s a chance I might be babysitting my younger siblings or other people’s kids, singing and dancing to my favorite beats, or snuggled up in a corner reading. Books are definitely one 🎶 of my favorite things 🎶 so let me know if you have any recommendations on our contact page!
Since I finished my high school education a year early, I’m taking what would normally be my senior year to travel and learn lots of new skills. I spent a couple weeks in Thailand on a missions trip in the Spring and am headed off to be a CentriKid camp counselor all summer. Follow all my adventures at www.JoyGirlLife.com Surf’s Up! 🤙🏼 🏄🏻♀️ – Michaela
When I was young I told my mom that when I grew up I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and homeschool my kids. Add to that, when I was a teenager, I just knew I was going to marry a pastor. Some dreams do come true! I am blessed.
I love living life and serving in ministry with Michael. In addition to training our kids in God’s Word, he brings such fun and spontaneity to everyday life. We have so many adventures thanks to him.
I love being a mom. My kids are incredible! They pray for me. Bring me tea. Frequently ask how they can help. Make me laugh. And, they’re very patient with me as I am still learning how to be the best mom.
I love napping. That is my favorite hobby.
I love supporting my Surfer Fam. What’s my role at the beach? Sitting and watching my family have fun. Oh, and applying sunscreen, washing sand out of eyes, chasing seagulls away from the snacks, trying to capture a video of someone’s perfect wave . . . you get the idea. Occasionally, I ditch the mom responsibilities, hand off the current baby, and enjoy some waves myself. Preferably in the warmest water possible.
I love that God has a plan for our family and it is comforting to know that as change comes our way, I can trust and look forward to the next adventure that He has for us. ❤️
I’m the dad of this incredible crew and I love being Katie’s husband. Raising up young people who are ready and able to build God’s Kingdom is my number one priority, but serving God with these kids is also the most fun I’ve had in my 30 years of ministry! Nothing gives me greater joy than to see my kids serving the Lord together. (I know now how my dad felt watching my brothers and I sing together.)
I stay really, really busy, but a few things get done every day: Bible reading in my chronological plan on the Bible app, growing my 1200+ days-in-a-row Spanish streak on Duolingo, and closing my rings on my Apple Watch! My favorite part of ministry is discipling and mentoring others. I’m grateful for the years I had with different young men as we worked, learned, coached and grew together in ministry effectiveness.
In my early pastoral ministry, I took a class on Pastoral Leadership in a Small Church. During my time in that course, God turned my heart toward ministry in smaller churches. Though I’ve served at churches of various sizes throughout my career, God always has my focus on how to bless smaller churches, and I’ve loved leading others to do the same. It won’t surprise me to see God lead us to increased ministry in many smaller churches in the future!
