Please Meet... Kayla Germann

Kayla Germann

Hi! My name is Kayla Germann, and my husband Phil is a 2L. We are born-and-raised Ohio country kids (adults? Never!) and are having quite the adventure living in a beach town. I have a bachelor’s degree
in Exercise Science and a doctorate degree in physical therapy, and since moving to the area have been working in a nursing home in Norfolk. Phil and I have been married for almost 5 years and are waiting on God’s timing to start a family. I was very active in Law Wives events during my 1L year and have been a board member during 2L year, helping plan events, attending most events and weekly Bible studies, serving as treasurer, and coordinating the Move-In Ministry over the past summer. I was also an Ambassador for law wives last spring/summer, helping to encourage married couples to choose Regent. I love Law Wives and would love to continue serving on the board to bless other law wives, current or new, as I have been blessed. I view Law Wives as a great venue to facilitate relationships and support among Christian women, and would love to continue participating in finding new ways to reach out and draw in more wives and families. Please prayerfully consider all the candidates, including me, as you vote!

Please Meet... Jamie Enns

Jamie Enns

I'm Jamie Enns and I am a 2L wife of Darron.  We have been married for almost 2 years, and have a little girl named Annie.  She'll be one this March, and we love watching her grow up.  I absolutely love serving others, and have been involved in numerous ministries back home in California.  I'm not saying I'm really experienced with leadership, although I have been a leader of both the Mexico missions ministry, and head of the yearly toy drive at my church.  What I do love and am passionate about is serving others and showing other people Christ's love.  I love to cook for people, make friends, and generally just be there others.  It's been a few years since I've stepped up and done anything like this, and I think this nomination was the Lord's way of pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a place that requires lots of prayer, preparation, and responsibility.  I look forward to the challenge if I am elected.  The Law Wives has been a true Godsend for me, and I don't know what I would do without the ladies I have met who pray for me and love me and my family!  The only thing I would change is possibly have a few more casual meet ups where ladies who may not be so comfortable in large formal gatherings could come together without the formalities.  The Law Wives has done so much for me and I would like to give back.  If I'm elected, I will do my absolute best to bless these amazing ladies like I've been blessed!

Please Meet... Natalie Moffitt

Natalie Moffitt

My husband, Jonathan, and I have been married for 5 and a half years. We have two precious little girls, Arianna (3) and Brooklyn (1). I have a heart to serve Law Wives due to the tremendous blessing it has been to our marriage and family. I served on the 2012-2013 Law Wives board, in which we experienced a full turnover after the previous board's graduation. A full turnover leads to a steep learning curve for a new board. I have served time and gained knowledge I believe to be beneficial to the next board. I would greatly enjoy serving Law Wives and their families for another year and help in growing the success of this incredible ministry. 

Please Meet... Juliana Whiting

Juliana Whiting

My name is Juliana Whiting, and I have been married to Zach Whiting for the past six months. We have no children yet, but we look forward to when we do start a family. Zach is a 2L transfer student from Drake University. I have definitely enjoyed being in Law Wives this year. It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to make friends and to feel more settled down in the area. I have taken full advantage of the different mixers, ladies’ night, and a Bible study. Coming to Regent was a very daunting prospect. We did not know anyone at Regent, and most of the second year law students and families were already settled in with their studies and small groups. Law Wives was a big blessing in my life and even in my husband’s. It has taken me a lot longer to find a job than I would have liked, and I have found friendship, encouragement, companionship, joy, and fun in Law Wives. I would like to use my education, work experience, work ethic, and excitement about Law Wives to make us a stronger group, internally and externally. I would like to build upon the community, participation, and interest within Law Wives. I think it is important to uphold the traditions and legacy of Law Wives, and to make sure that we pass that on to the first year law wives and transfer law wives. I would love to bring a new perspective to the table concerning new activities Law Wives could host that encourage more active involvement and campus awareness. We have something very special to offer all centered around how Law Wives can really make leaving your home, your family, and your friends and coming to a Regent with your husband, an experience with joy, hope, and friendship that you will never forget! 

Please Meet... Amy Key

Amy Key 

I am Amy Key. My husband, Jeremy Key, is a 1L, and we have been married for three and a half years. I am originally from Louisiana but we moved to Virginia Beach from Longview, Texas (which is 2 hours east of Dallas). I currently work for Clinique Cosmetics at the Dillard's in the MacArthur Center. I see myself as a helper. I love being connected to people and truly enjoy finding ways to help others. I have held leadership positions in various organizations. These opportunities have allowed me to organize social functions, serve as a liaison between the organization and its members, match people and their interests with the needs of the organization, and cultivate relationships with amazing people both inside and outside of the organization. I see Law wives as an organization that does all of these things. I love that there is an organization that brings everyone together and creates a support system for law wives during this exciting but stressful time. I know that many of us are at different points in our lives and feel that not only is this a great way to meet friends but also a great way to get advice from women that have been where we are. I want to be a part of coming up with ways to engage more law wives so they are able to connect through the events as well as personally reaching out to incoming law wives so that they feel comfortable getting involved early on. Serving on the board would be such an honor, and I would love the opportunity.

Please Meet...Sarah Puchferran

My name is Sarah Puchferran and I have been married to Matthew Puchferran (2L) for 8 months.  As a Marketing Coordinator, I am very comfortable with planning and hosting events as well as working on a team to promote the overall success of an organization.  My favorite aspect of Law Wives, so far, has been that Law Wives serves as an amazing platform to find friends and get plugged in to an otherwise brand new community.  The events, Bible studies, and impromptu gatherings have already been a life saver for me during those times when my husband has his head buried in his textbooks or when I am simply desperate for “girl time”.  If selected to be on the board I would LOVE the opportunity to organize more events and outings, both big and small. I would also work to encourage other Law Wives, that may be on the fringe and not necessarily plugged in,  to get plugged in by showing them the value of being a part of such a community as Law Wives.  Thank you for your consideration!

Please Meet... Emily Lee!

I am Emily Lee and am the wife of a 1L from Orlando, FL. We've been married seven and a half years and have two sons (4 and 1/2 years old and 18 months). I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist but haven't worked much since becoming a mother. I was surprised (sorry!) by how much I enjoyed all the women and events with Law WIves upon arriving at Regent. Therefore, I want to play a role in encouraging current law wives and new comers through this service. I have been involved in Bible Studies and attend events hoping to develop more friendships while here. However, my hope for Law Wives is that it will continue to be a great resource of connection and information for mothers who are doing so much alone while their husbands study AND that it would help encourage more incredible families to choose Regent for their law school experience.

Please Meet... Ashley Cowgill!

Name: Ashley Cowgill

From: Salem, Oregon (3,010 miles from Virginia Beach) :)

Number of years married: 1 year, 8 months, 20 days, 23 hours and 20 minutes

Fun fact: Shaniqua is the name I use when I karaoke.

God has blessed me with an adventurous spirit so you better believe I was RUNNING around our house, jumping up and down, screaming when I got the news that God was sending us on a journey to Regent University...

One of my fondest memories in Law Wives to date is laying down at the top of Mt. Trashmore (only in VA would they make a 'dump' a city park and then name it Mt. Trashmore:)...) at the LW family picnic ready to 'tumble' head over heels down the hill with other wives... So many giggles and brain jiggles and that was the start of blossoming new friendships.  Besides all the fun social activities I have LOVED the bible studies, experiencing life with other women and diving DEEP into God's word and soaking up His great love for us. 

Law wives has allowed me to be me.  I am an extravert (who knew) and God created me to be in fellowship with people... how AWESOME that he gave me such an INCREDIBLE gift through LW to continue to help mold me and shape me into who he created me to be.  

My heart and my vision for LW next year is outreach ministry.  Since we have been in Virginia Beach God has burdened my heart for the less fortunate.  This is something that He continually does but it's been evident out here there is such a need.  Two verses that come to mind, 'Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and the widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.' James 1:27.  And, 'Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' Matthew 19:21.  God has blessed us with a roof over our head and in a community of widows.  I imagine LW gathering together next year to wash the feet of these women, love them, encourage them, and share the gospel with them.  A lot of them eat TV dinners because to cook for only one person is hard and a lot of effort, we could make meals together and deliver them a home cooked me at least once a month.  The homeless population down at the boardwalk can feel overwhelming.  I imagine LW coming together to prepare some meals and to nourish souls physically and spiritually.  

My experience in leadership positions in ministry through Young Life, my church, and volunteer ministries have prepared me for serving on the Law Wives board.  I have a heart to serve and care for others.  'Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must become a servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Matthew 20:28.

Roses are red...

Violets are VIOLET...

Daffodils are yellow...

Lilies are white...

This poem doesn't rhyme...

But at least it's accurate... 

Thanks for reading my FIRST blog post ever!

-In Him-

Ashley 'Shaniqua' Cowgill

Please Meet... McKenzie Swan!

McKenzie Swan

1L

Portland, Oregon

Married to Kevin for 1.5 years  (7/11/2010)

No kiddos (well sort of my pup her name is ROO!)

Graduated from Oregon State University (GO BEAVERS!) in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Human Services & Child Development

Currently working for property management

To begin, I would like everyone to know, that without the support of Law Wives, I would not be able to survive this adventure with my husband gone so often. The community that we have together is of incredible value and has helped me grow in the Lord and in my marriage.  Moving across the country can be a time of vulnerability and fear of the unknown. From the time that I arrived in Virginia Beach, I felt welcomed into the Law Wives family as if I had been a member all along. The confidence and reassurance this provided me, allowed me to support my husband and encourage him to do his very best in school, without reservation.

            My involvement in Law Wives includes…well…almost every event! But most of all, weekly bible studies, the progressive dinner, many girls nights and the NightLight event. I feel that each of these opportunities has provided me with the ability to plant roots and has given me a strong sense of community. The Night Light event particularly stood out to me. Although we are all poor “law-student-families”, the Night Light event showed me just how lucky we all are, and also showed me just how much of God’s love is needed in the world.  In addition to the Night Light event, I really enjoyed the girls nights, where I was able to leave any stress from work or home behind, and fellowship with an incredible group of women. Kevin likes it too because I am able to talk your guys’ ears, so when I get home I don’t have any more of my words left for the day to use J

            Much of my vision for this coming year with Law Wives comes from two things; the Night Light event and girls nights. First, I feel that because we as a group are the hands and feet of God, we need to act out our faith in a manner that continues to express God’s love to those in need. The Night Light event opened my eyes as to how impactful such an incredible group of women could be to a community. I see Law Wives holding simple, yet impactful events like volunteering at a food bank or homeless shelter, or volunteering with an organization that helps children in need. Whatever the event, I see a great power that could be harnessed if we all regularly come together to serve in our busy lives.

Second, I see a continuation of the ever-important girls nights. Lets be real, we all need a break, a time to laugh, a time to cry (if need be), and a time to let our hair down and just be there for each other…if your not careful Ashley and I will do our famous stand up comedy J In general, I want to continue regular get togethers! I feel this is important because it helps me keep a balance of time with my husband but also allows me to encourage him to invest as much time as needed in his school. The more events I have to go to, the less pressure my husband has to extra time with me. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with Kevin, but without Law Wives, he would feel bad when always leaving me at home alone!

            Throughout undergrad, I was disciple by several women within the Navigator Ministry. I feel that their guidance and personal attention to the growth and strengthening of my faith has equipped me to be light to other incoming Law Wives. During college I also lead small “women’s group” Bible studies and mentored younger women within my sorority. I feel that I can apply this experience to be impactful for the Law Wives in whatever capacity is needed and to support incoming Law Wives. I also was greatly involved with Greek Life where I held many positions such as, risk management, Chapter Development and was on the board in the house, which had 80 woman members. It taught me how to organize, plan and execute big events effectively and managed to create a sense of community with in a large organization and of course HAD FUN DOING IT!

            I want to be on the board because I value relationships and fellowship more than anything. Being very apprehensive to move across the country, I know what it feels like to be scared out of your mind and have so much unknown that you don’t even know where to start. I want to be there relationally for the next generation of Law Wives. In addition, I want to continue to help grow the relational environment through the continuation of current activities and by adding some others that are described above. I feel that I can help our organization preserve the foundation that has been set before us as well as be of impact to my friends and future members.

Please Meet... Cate Smith!

Cate Smith (1L)

Husband: Jeremy

From: Northern Va/West Virginia

Married 20 months (2 years as of June 12, 2012!!!)

Children: One baby in heaven...hopefully one in my arms someday! 

Graduated with B.A. in Journalism from Patrick Henry College 

Senior Research Editor for www.smyrnaministries.org

Law Wives impacted my life even BEFORE we moved down here! When Kirsten Dalton found out my husband was applying to Regent, she emailed me a ton of helpful info and explained how blessed she had been by LW. When we came down to look at the area, she opened her home to us and she and her husband answered a ton of our questions. Her encouragement really helped me find peace with my husband's decision to start law school. 

I am thrilled to be part of Law Wives now, and I want to be on the board because I want the next wave of Law Wives to experience the same encouragement and hospitality that I have received. I love the weekly Bible Studies - the prayers and wisdom of my sisters in Christ has challenged my faith. I found the NightLight jewelry fundraiser to be another event that really touched a chord with me, and reminded me that energy and fervor flourish when our hearts are set on zealous service unto the LORD (Rom. 12:11).  I love it when women have the chance to get together and partner to accomplish things specifically to help others. As a member of the Board, I would seek out those ideas and passions of other Law Wives - give them a chance to voice their outreach goals, hear their input, and see if Law Wives can be part of the "good works that God has prepared in advance" for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

However, the area where I most want to serve Law Wives (whether or not I am on the Board) is in prayer. Jesus says, "And this is the confidence we have toward Him, that if we ask ANYTHING according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14). If you're anything like me, you struggle to pray. Days go by and I drift from the anchor of God's promise to hear me. Yet when I persevere in prayer, deliverance and joy fill my heart....His comfort is beyond words! I want to foster a community of sisters that bears each other's burdens in prayer. I want my house to be a place where anyone can come and pray - anytime. When Jesus was overwhelmed, He sought the Father's face in prayer. Life gets overwhelming...a lot. But, "Though one can be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). As a member of the Law Wives Board, I would seek to find ways we as a body can better 'defend' each other through prayer. 

I have expertise in: Analytical and technical writing, radio and web journalism, and print media graphics (brochure/poster/email design). I DO NOT have expertise in baking bread...but I'm trying :P

Please Meet... Kayla Germann!

Hi friends! My name is Kayla Germann and my husband Phil is a 1L. We’re both country kids from Ohio and have been pumped to live in a beach town! We’ve been married nearly 4 years, all of which one of us has been in grad school, and we do not have kids. I spent the last three years obtaining a doctor of physical therapy degree, and now I am a physical therapist at a nursing home in Norfolk.  I tend to be introverted and like a very ordered, well-planned life; however, I have been known to break out of that routine—for example, before moving to VB, I went skydiving with my husband, dad, and brother!

Because I’m introverted, I am not always the quickest to make friends. Law Wives impacted my life almost as soon as moving to Virginia Beach by providing a large, built-in family of Christian friends to give me a support system. I actually made my first friends while walking into the Meet and Greet, and have depended on Law Wives since then to be my family away from home. Law Wives has also been a blessing through Bible studies, helping grow my relationship with Christ more so than I have experienced since college.

I have attended all major events hosted by Law Wives and never missed a week of Bible study; I have also attended “unofficial” Law Wives events, such as the NightLight jewelry party Anna organized, and spent a lot of time getting to know other wives and families more personally. I also recently became a Law Wives Ambassador, reaching out to potential incoming Law Wives. My favorite event so far has been the Meet and Greet, in part because that was my first introduction to the extent to which Law Wives strives to build a community, and it was my first opportunity to meet so many of the other law wives. I love thinking back on that night and realizing, “THAT was the girl who sat next to me!”

I see Law Wives as a lifeline to all wives involved—whether you work outside the home, stay home with children, do not have children, are a 1L or are a 3L. Basically, Law Wives exists to be a support group to any wives involved, as well as a way to teach us how to better support our husbands. We are a cohesive group of friends, family away from home, helping each other out, and growing together in Christ. I want Law Wives to continue helping law students and their wives find purpose and peace during this period in our lives, as well as to reach out into the community and help others by spreading the love of Christ and giving of ourselves.

I want to be a Board member because I am passionate about Law Wives and want to be intimately involved in blessing upcoming wives as I have been blessed in this first year of law school. I believe Law Wives has helped keep me afloat away from home, and I have a heart to assist other women in feeling the same. Prior to coming to Regent, my husband overlooked opportunities, such as the move-in ministry and the preview weekend, for me to learn about Law Wives; I would like to be part of brainstorming new and unique ways to reach out early to potential Law Wives to make the idea of moving here seem easier. I am organized and love to attend to details and make plans, so I believe I would be an asset to the Board. Through high school, college, and grad school, I have served in different aspects on boards and committees, from planning events to managing finances. I have a flexible work schedule and no children, so I have plenty of time to devote to working for the Law Wives Board. Thank you for reading and considering voting for me to be involved!