NAME: Kary de Kooker

JOB TITLE: Director of Community Life

VITALS: March 28, Creston, IA

FAMILY: I met my husband, Ed, while studying in The Netherlands back in 1992.  We dated 2 years long distance and married in 1994.  Together we have two boys, Izaak and Brett who keep us on our toes.  And, to round the family off, we have our cat, Speedy.

What do you love most about working at Cornerstone?

I love meeting new people and helping them discover new relationships at Cornerstone.  I love hearing people’s stories about how they found Cornerstone and how their relationship with God and others has been changed by actively engaging in our mission and vision – “Connecting People to Christ and His Community,” and “Love God – Love People.”

What or Who Inspires You?

I am inspired by people who see the glass half FULL rather than half empty.  When I hear stories of hope, courage, and faith despite challenging circumstances, I am inspired.  I am inspired when people truly seek God’s will for their life and then stay faithful to where He is leading them – even when it seems a bit crazy.  There are a lot of people like that at Cornerstone – and that inspires me!

Life Long Goal:

To continually grow in my understanding of how God sees me – as His Beloved Child, and to help my children and others  grow in that as well.

Any Hidden Talents?

I can speak Dutch pretty well.

Little Known Fact About Me:

When I was little I was a diver on our swim team and often got first place in ALL age divisions as an 8 yr old.

FAVORITES:

Book: The Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers – anything by Francine Rivers

Movie: The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings, Documentaries of all types, Comedies, Dramas, War movies… I’ll watch just about anything.

Restaurant: Anyplace with an outdoor terrace – at least in the summer.

Food: Just about anything off the grill, I love pizza too.

Splurge: Getting a massage

Ice Cream: Cinnamon, Chocolate Hazelnut with Almonds

Song: Don’t really have a favorite song, but enjoy most contemporary Christian music and just about anything from the 80’s!

Junk Food: Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk

Childhood Memory: Staying at my Grandma’s house and eating breakfast with her in the morning.  Toast with butter on it and dipping it in her coffee – YUM!  Then, swinging in the hammock or porch swing in the evening listening to the cicadas.