Dearest Family and Friends,
We hope this finds you well. We are sharing a big life update with you!
In late August, we will be starting a new chapter of our lives in the seaside city of Carpinteria, CA, just south of Santa Barbara and a 1.5-hour drive from LA. Words cannot express the strong call, peace, and excitement we share to spend what may be the rest of our days together in this quaint and laid-back beach town.
Of course, we love surfing and beach life, but our greatest desire is to fulfill God’s calling on our lives and be an encouragement to others, and it is clear that Carpinteria is where we are meant to be. We’ve savored our nineteen years in the Santa Ynez Valley, and we will miss seeing our friends regularly, but we are just an hour south, so we would love for you to visit. We are so grateful for each day we’ve been able to enjoy in one of California’s most beautiful valleys with the kindest people.
We’ve had the joy and honor of mentoring a few thousand youth over our 22 years of marriage, and we plan to continue this privilege in Carpinteria and beyond.
After 14 years of dedicated service, Paul will retire early from his position as Director of the Recreation Department for Buellton. I am so proud of him — he has made Buellton’s Recreation Department exceptional by adding and expanding their events and programs, and has had a tremendous impact on thousands of people in our valley. Just like Gidget, he spreads joy wherever he goes. He will pursue job opportunities in Carpinteria, but our long-term dream is to do ministry together full-time.
From speaking together at public schools and possibly to Young Life and FCA chapters, to traveling to various ministry and speaking events across the state and country, we will make the most of every opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ with others and be a light in our new community.
I plan to write a lifetime of books by the sea and have a few in the works, and will still serve as CEO of Wonderfully Made. I am beyond grateful to every one of our financial supporters of Wonderfully Made in the Valley who have made all we do possible. We will still have our office and gathering place in Solvang, and I will continue to work there and see you regularly. This move has already opened many opportunities and will allow us to serve even more girls and young women and to expand throughout Santa Barbara County.
One of our first purchases will be a farm table that seats 12, and we are excited to open our home and practice hospitality despite me being a hazard in the kitchen.
Thank you for your friendship and presence in our lives. Please let us know when you’re passing through!
With love + joy,
Paul and Allie
P.S. If you would like to support our work with local youth together, you can make a tax-deductible donation to Wonderfully Made to cover food and gas expenses for youth and speaking events. Thank you for your support!
Gidget on lifeguard duty at Carpinteria State Beach!
