Meet Deb!

So, in January, roughly, both Gary and I were cordially invited to a colleague's house for drinks, hors oeuvres, and funsies by way of the board game (Apples to Apples was a blast, and Trivial Pursuit was epic, literally.). Gary and I were excited to attend from the get-go--though Gary was excited more-so when he heard the Penguins game WOULD, IN FACT, be on the television, that evening, amidst the other festivities.


My colleague, Sheila, also an avid West Coast Swing dancer, invited along some dancing friends. And so the story goes, we met Deb Byrum--a friend of a friend. As the evening progressed, and we learned more about Deb, I knew that I had to ask a favor...because getting married by someone we knew and LIKED was truly important to both Gary and me! We asked Deb to officiate, and she gladly accepted.


Deb is a Lutheran pastor who was ordained in 1991. She also served as a missionary to Senegal, West Africa for eight years! (HOLY COW!) And as Deb put it to us at 61C Cafe, last Saturday in Squirrel Hill, she was "the type of missionary that helped people"--and it was one of the most rewarding experiences in which she could conceive. Deb was mostly focused upon the humanitarian work associated with being in Senegal; and she told us she helped build a lot of community buildings/ programs for many impoverished people. Connecting with locals on a most personal level was the most memorable, to her. She explained that it was very interesting to see people who had  nothing--not even food--but what they did have, they wanted to give to her. The sense of LOVE and community among the locals in Senegal was nothing she had ever experienced before.

Deb has three children, one of which was born in West Africa. And due to her children living such a diverse intercultural lifestyle, her daughter is now studying to receive her Ph.D. in Arabic!

Currently, she is a hospice chaplain at Aseracare Hospice (not a church pastor). But has conducted wedding ceremonies in the past. She is, VERY MUCH, looking forward to our celebration! YAY!