Unless you are an '8 o'clocker', you will have noticed that one of Brenda's prayers has been answered by the fact that the choir has more than doubled in size. This month our focus falls on one of the two youngest choir members. Before you ask "Why only one of them?", I will mention that Lauren ('the dark-haired one') doesn't think it's time to tell her story, so, for now:
Spotlight
On
Christina Anne Pomroy
a.k.a Chris 'the fair-haired one'
In March, 1981, Darlene and Ray Pomroy became the proud parents of a lovely baby girl. Youngest of five children, Chris grew up in a happy, close-knit family. Her father, Ray, was part of the school system for over 30 years, first as a teacher, then as a counselor, finally as Principal of Washington Middle School in Calumet, Michigan.
Chris's mum, Darlene, was a registered nurse for many years, going on to obtain her Master's Degree, finally becoming an Instructor for the first-year nursing programme at Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan.
With that family background, it is hardly surprising to hear that Chris enjoyed her school years. She was a good student, with her favourite subject being science. She enjoyed sports, captained the volleyball team, played basketball, softball, and ran track. The Pomroy children were raised in the Catholic faith, Sundays meant going to church…..ahem…..whether you wanted to or not….something familiar to many of us!
Living in scenic Michigan, family holidays were spent camping, often at Bootjack camp. All in all, a happy family life.
After graduating 3rd in the Calumet High School class of '99, Chris began to study engineering. Summer break of 2001 was spent volunteering in Kenya , Africa, with 'Food for the Hungry International'. Working in a small township for six weeks, helping at an orphanage, and with water projects, had a profound effect on Chris. While she was very happy to help, she felt guilty about having so much when so many had so little. Since then, she has learned not to feel guilty, but to feel blessed to be able to share. Having changed her major, she went on to graduate in '03 (with honours) from Michigan Technological University, gaining a Bachelor's degree in Biology.
After graduation, Chris joined Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) serving for one year in non-profit organizations across the Southeastern U.S.
In 2004, Chris joined Habitat for Humanity Americorps and moved to Charleston. She served a one-year term with the Charleston H-for-H, helping to build 8 homes in the Lowcountry. The move to Charleston was not without anguish. Her father had died as a result of a freak Winter accident and she had the feeling that she was abandoning her mum. Her mum was supportive, and in the long run Chris feels that the move was a good decision. The Habitat work was certainly work that she looks back on with pride, finding it fulfilling, and seeing first-hand the difference that a home can make in peoples' lives. She speaks, movingly, of a particular family, sharing how a new home gave the son new direction in his life….pulling him away from bad influences, giving him a better chance.
It was during her time with Habitat that Chris met Lauren Bush. At first they really didn't get along, simply tolerated each other as part of the team. As time went on they began to realize that they could work well together and shared the same vision. Working with Habitat taught them a great deal, but they saw ways to improve things and felt that giving so much of their time and talents ought to give them a greater say in how things operated. In February this year, they began a small business partnership in a limited liability company: On The Level Renovating, LLC. Prominently displayed is the following quote from Aristotle: "Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation." Chris believes that life is more than expensive cars and high-end homes. While the new venture is exciting, she is not just out to make a buck, but works toward a higher purpose, using her skills and talents to give back. It is the goal of the partnership that when the business is established they will be able to give more time to service work. In the meantime they do what they can, even the small tasks such as making lunch for the students working on a Habitat home.
Although ownership of a small business is extremely time-consuming, Chris does have hobbies, she likes: refinishing furniture, taking great delight in creating something useful from discarded items; trips to the beach; reading - at the time of the interview she was deep into "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen.
Chris loves to travel. Having spoken about the Africa trip, she went on to talk about a trip across Europe: a 'phone call from a friend gave her exactly 10 minutes to decide if she wanted to go on a month-long, multi-country back-packing trip. The ensuing 'odyssey' began in Chicago, with stops in places such as London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Berlin…..and included hiking in the Swiss Alps, a stop in her favourite city of Florence, and staying in a hostel which overlooked the Tuscan countryside. She speaks of doing the whole thing for under $2000, and smiles about eating 'crackers and chocolate' in Switzerland to eke out her allowance… (Swiss chocolate being so delicious, that was probably not a hardship!!) She wants to go back to Switzerland and Florence. One of her dreams is an Alaskan cruise, another is to do Habitat work overseas…thus combining her love of travel with mission work.
Asked how she came to St. Thomas, Chris shares that it was through Fr. Jim inviting Lauren during one of the Habitat building projects. Rich Stanley also issued invitations to visit. Lauren then invited Chris, and she is now happy to be part of St. Thomas.
Chris is naturally reserved, so it was a big step for her to join the choir…encouraged by Lauren, eagerly welcomed by all choir members, she is now part of the team and feeling much more connected to our parish family.
Chris's mum and a sister recently visited Charleston for the first time, thoroughly enjoying the lowcountry experience. Chris's sister will be coming back to live with her and hopes to teach in the Charleston school system. In the meantime, Chris is working hard. With her admirable philosophy, her sound work ethic, and an outstanding business partner, you know that On The Level Renovating, LLC will succeed, and her mission work will continue.