Tim and Katie joined the Lifestreams congregation about a year ago and Jo caught up with them to celebrate the arrival of Jemimah on 11 March and find out more about their growing family.

Tell me a little about yourselves.

Katie: I am a chartered accountant and mum to James and Jemimah. I have also taught classical piano, speech and drama, musical theatre, and ballet for over 10 years. I have recently been selected as a speech and drama examiner as well and am looking forward to seeing where that may go. I have pretty much lived in Christchurch my whole life and a very short stint in Hanmer Springs in my early years. Tim has a much more interesting history!

Tim: I’m an engineer working with transmission line towers (the big steel power pylons). It’s a pretty interesting job, even if most of it is on the computer. I sort of fell into the role after finishing university, and really enjoy it. I’m originally from Africa, born in South Africa, then living in Zimbabwe, moving to Tauranga and then back to Zambia before returning to Auckland for university in 2008. I moved to Christchurch to marry Katie in 2016.

We used to do a lot of Modern Jive dancing when we first met, but now Tim enjoys some casual road cycling, while Katie enjoys crafting in every shape and form. We like going for walks in the outdoors. And we have an overenthusiastic spoodle called Poppy.

What’s something that people may not know about you?

Katie: I skipped every cross-country during school. But then I started doing some training in my late 20s and completed a half-marathon before I turned thirty!
Tim: I am an identical twin and was home-schooled for almost all of my primary school years.

What bought you to St Barnabas, and what do you like about it?

Katie: A friend recommended we try it. We have really appreciated the warmth, inclusivity, intergenerational community and openness of the congregation and the special efforts made by all over Covid-19 to adapt, especially for us as newbies.
Tim: It’s been great connecting with lots of people in a short time. Everyone is super relaxed.

How has Covid-19 impacted on your lives?

Katie: Work has been very busy keeping on top of all the changes to support clients (lots of small businesses).
Tim: Mostly limiting the planning of travel to see family. Work has been flat out despite all the changes.

How do you see God working in your lives?

Katie: God is always helping me grow and it can be often in the everyday moments and conversations that I recognise him teaching me.
Tim: The more I open my eyes and heart, the more I see. God really does want the best for all his children, and I think we often forget that.

What are your plans for the future?

Katie: I haven’t thought much beyond the arrival of baby Jemimah at this stage!
Tim: My biggest plan is to raise my kids the best I know how, and look after my wife like the amazing woman she is. Everything else can fit in round that. I'm sure God has some great plans that we have no clue of yet.

How can we pray for you?

Katie - The settling in of baby Jemimah in the early weeks, and of course for James as he adapts to being a big brother.
Tim: Sleep!