About Me



{more Nepali photo shoot pics, here}



Hello there, I’m Katie
And I’m so grateful and honored you are stopping by.
The first thing you should know about me is that I love making new friends,
so please don’t hesitate to say hello:)
I am married to Kevin, and he is my lover through and through.
I choose him every day,
and together we choose Jesus, because without him we are lost. 
{We fell in love through some crazy circumstances, had an epic proposal, then a sweet wedding}


The second thing about me is that I love adventure
and I’m learning to be brave with my life every day.
Below are some of our journeys…

- Kevin and I decided when we started dating that we wanted our marriage to matter and we wanted to serve Jesus as He called us.  This led us to move into a low income neighborhood in our native California. It changed our life and our marriage.  In the process we met some of our best friends, learned so much about different cultural customs, and opened our home to families, children, and new friends. We grew and learned from our amazing neighbors who shaped us and our perspectives in life changing ways. 

 

- Kev and I also prayed that we’d get to serve abroad before we had kids. God totally and completely surprised us December of 2012 when out of the blue an organization contacted us and asked if we’d move to Nepal to do some consulting work for an aftercare home that housed precious girls rescued out of sex trafficking.  So for six month {April- Sept 2013} we spent being utterly transformed by God’s love and the love of the girls in the home. It was epic…we are already yearning to go back.
A few posts from Nepal here, here  here and here. 
*If you are looking for ways to help fight human trafficking, check out my post here.


- Kev and I love to travel, and are always scheming up ways to get our backpacks out and go exploring! We’ve been to almost 40 countries. I taught English in Thailand, worked for a non-profit in Kenya, Kev coached a University Basketball team in Indonesia, and we just recently returned from living in Nepal! Coming back from Nepal we moved to my hometown in Northern California for a month to work on my dad’s rice farm at harvest,

Feel free to check out my travel posts here! 

I love photography and feel that beauty cultivates an environment to live creative and imaginative lives. 
I have a photography business called Hope Photographie…if you are ever in California and want pretty pictures, I'd be honor to capture yours!! 

Lastly, I love to just be real.
This blog while documenting my adventures, also weaves a tale of real life struggles and pain.
Because, let’s face it, we’re real people with real issues.
And that is why my blog is called Hope Engaged, because my hope in Jesus has to be engaged at all times to push me through the hard parts. And it does, for God is so so good.
-My health issues with Lupus {see part 1, and part 2}
- Learning to forgive {here}
-Learning who I am {here}

Recap of our crazy epic year of 2013 here
And 2014 here

Can’t wait to meet you friend,
Love Katie 

67 comments :

  1. I'm so glad you found my blog! I love your blog! I can't wait to start from the beginning and catch up!

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  2. I just stumbled upon your blog and am so glad I did! Can't wait to read more about your adventures as you live out the love and hope of Christ. Your blog is resonating with me right now. So excited to read your posts! :)

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  3. i have no idea what took me so long to find your blog but you are a beautiful and amazing woman of God! i am so excited to get to know you better!

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  4. Beautiful! Can't wait to start following this powerful blog!!

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  5. I couldn't have stumbled across your blog at a better time! So needed right now. I just read your latest post on marriage and then read your "love story" and God just spoke to me so much through you! I've been with my boyfriend for almost two years and like you and your hubby, only God could have orchestrated us getting together and staying together. We also broke up for a small amount of time for similar reasons as y'all did; he was moving out of the country and I didn't want to hold him back spiritually. We were both devastated and could feel the Lord pulling us back together while we were broken up and two weeks later we got back together. We've both grown so much in the Lord individually since we got back together and look forward to growing more as a couple, heading towards marriage. He leaves Saturday morning for El Salvador until December and reading your blog has been so encouraging because my heart breaks to have to say goodbye to him, but goodness am I thankful he is the man he is and is doing what he is doing! God is good!

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  6. Hi Katie! I'm enjoying reading your blog -- I guess I have a couple of questions for you haha -- what were your going to go to grad school for and what are you doing now instead? And how long have you been married?

    Excited to read more about your travels & life :)

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  7. Very cute blog! so glad i found it!

    -Brittany from http://lifeasabaer.blogspot.com/

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  8. Wow, loving what you and your hubby live for. Happy to have found your blog and I look forward to following along.

    You two are beautiful, I can see love beaming from both of you.

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  9. Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Your story inspires me and I look forward to reading more so I'll be following along. As for right now, I get to finish my emails then get ready for my birthday festivities. :)

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  10. What a lovely blog! You guys make a gorgeous couple!!

    Kels
    storiesofkel.blogspot.com

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  11. Just found your blog...absolutely love it!
    We have soo many similarities too! Sound of music is one of my all time favs! Mexican food is a must...it probably graces are home at least once every other week (more if I were in total control) haha. And the sun and the sand are one of God's greatest creations...hands down.
    ps: my hubby's name is Kevin too! And we're seeking Jesus with all we are. :)
    *New follower.

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  12. Friend, I am so glad you found my blog! I am SO excited to get to know you!!

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  13. Hi Katie!
    I am SO happy I found your blog! I love your relationship with your husband and with Jesus, it makes me so happy!

    You're a great inspiration to me, thank you! (I'm a new follower too! ;) )

    Mikaela

    mikaelarae.blogspot.com

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  14. Well if you can't travel you might as well follow someone's blog who does! haha. I am seriously loving your blog and adding you to my daily reads! :) I found your from a girl that liked the style of your blog so I checked it out! so glad I did!

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  15. WOW. I just found your blog and am in awe and am so thankful. This is delightful. Simply delightful. I can't wait to read more. I am thrilled to be your newest follower. Your blog is wonderful! SO awesome to find another Jesus Lover in bloggyland!
    :) Rebecca
    www.caravansonnet.com

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  16. You, my sweet friend, shine the beauty of obedience!!!! It humbles me! And it inspires me!!! So excited for your new adventure in Asia and for the pouring of His love over those you encounter! IN Jesus Name, Go Katie, GO!

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  17. Hi Katie! I'm Katie too! :) I'm so glad I found your blog! So inspiring! I began blogging when I became an Air Force wife and graduated college. After college I joined my husband in Virginia where we are stationed. Early this year we received some not so expected news that we were being ordered to Anchorage, Alaska! I know Alaska is not Asia, but this is a HUGE thing for me being as I have been a southern girl my whole life and now I have to trade it in for coats and boots! I love finding new friends through blogging, especially friends that take such huge risks like you do. It is also nice to meet other wives that are living with ther husbands far away from family and friends! Hope to stay in touch! :)

    -Katie
    www.enchantedairforcewife.blogspot.com

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  18. I just stumbled on your blog via your comment on Across the Pond and your story is amazing! So excited to be following you blog and watch your journey unfold! :)

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  19. I was just looking at different blogs to find bloggers that have been out of college for a while and I stumbled on to yours! Man, you have quite the story! I can't wait to continue to read and follow along!

    Melissa
    www.inherbootsblog.com

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  20. I just found your blog and I love your story - I'm really looking forward to reading some of the older posts and getting to know your new story in Asia!!

    I feel like we have similar stories - I've done an undergrad and masters degree in International Development (and also I love mexican food ;) but I'm still searching for the ways in which my own story is going to unfold.

    You are doing amazing beautiful work :)

    Emily

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  21. I just fell in love with your blog and the work you're doing and the people that you've been able to meet!! The path you're taking in life sounds truly amazing and I'm so glad I've stumbled upon your blog!
    Tessa

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  22. Girl, I am in love with you! (In a non creepish way of course lol) I love your love for God and your mission to serve!!

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  23. I just absolutely love this, and you! Your heart for the Lord inspires me to be BOLD with whatever new desire Jesus puts on my heart!

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  24. Katie!!!

    I am so touched by your story and your blog! I am so thankful to have powerful sisters like you who are showing the rest of us just what God can do when we obey Him and when we step out on faith!!

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  25. Katie!

    Your blog is so truly beautiful. I feel so inspired every time I look at it. Thank you so much for your sweet words on my blog. I'm so sorry I am just now responding. You are doing amazing things and I am so happy to get to follow along and read your story. AND That's so cool that you lived in Chiang Mai!!! I absolutely love it! I teach at Prince Royal's College and am living right on the Northeast corner of the moat!! God bless you!!

    Love, Sarah

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  26. I now can't remember how I found your blog, but I am so glad I did!
    If I planned my life out traveling and living in another country with a supportive and loving husband would definitely be on the list! Your words are heart felt and true, the photos are stunning.

    Wishing you well, take care.

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  27. I can't even wrap my mind around how amazing your story is---wow! So glad I found your blog.

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  28. Oh my goodness. What a beautiful journey our Faithful Father God is leading you through! His hand has been holding you through all of those experiences and now in Nepal. I look forward to reading more about what God will be doing there. It has been my heart's desire to serve children and young women in impoverished countries, but no door opened year after year after year. I didn't understand since I felt this was a thought and desire from God. But in the last year, I have been working with children and teens in a low-income city in Washington and daily learning to love and serve these children, many of whom are stuck in really tough situations. THIS is my mission field in this season and I pray that I would humbly be used by God ... And to trust that He still knows my heart's cry for international mission work with children and is planning what He knows is best
    Thank you for reflecting Jesus in your servanthood

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  29. Hi there! I just came over from Simple Moments Stick, and am blown away by this. Your humility and courage points straight back to Jesus, and I know many will praise Him because of it. I love your story <3 So glad I came by!

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  30. Love your blog! I'm also a sponsor on Simple Moments Stick and absolutely love your story! I'm headed to check out the epic proposal now. :)

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  31. How beautiful! Truly an inspiration. I found your site "by accident"? I don't know if it was now. This past summer I lived the adventure of learning how to drive a 40ft bus for the city I live in, and I did it despite everything. Just recently I caved under some of the pressures of the job and quit. I feel like I am in limbo right now, but do not regret my decision. Still it was such a joyful adventure this summer. I dared to do what no one imagined I would do. I am filled with mixed feelings right now, and I partly question what the last 4 months were all about. Then I read your blog and things fell into perspective. Such inner beauty shines from your blog. My congratulations on living honestly and with conviction. That is a rare thing to come across.
    Stacey, from Canada.

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  32. You are precious :-) so thankful for you x

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  33. what a beautiful story. i love how it's god's story.

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  34. praise God in how He uses us as His vessels, to bring glory to His name. i am really intrigued and inspired by your journey, where God has brought you thus far, and where He will lead you next. what a blessing it is to read about how God has called you and your husband to care for girls who have been victims of sexual violence. may He sustain, strengthen, and grow you both in the place where He has called you to be.

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  35. your blog is really inspiring... thanks for sharing about it and sharing the love of Christ through your words and your life's work. may God's spirit give you strength, perseverance, and hope as you carry out His calling for your lives as you care for the girls of Nepal. and in times of frustration, difficulty, struggle, may you look to Him and remember His promises and His faithfulness.

    btw i love all the gary haugen quotes. i heard him speak at an IJM fundraiser ages ago. =)

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  36. Oh, this is such an interesting blog! So glad to have found you loving Jesus and loving life. Let's see where God takes you to next?!

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  37. This is one of my favorite about me sections on any blog. You guys are amazing!

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  38. Wow, God definitely guided me to your blog today! My church is focusing the Christmas sermon series on the issue of sex trafficking in America and God has really burdened my heart with this huge problem. My heart breaks for the victims and I have been praying for guidance of how to help the victims. I'm sure your time in Nepal working at an aftercare home was challenging but still rewarding to see hope in such darkness.

    I'm off to read your Nepal posts now :) God bless you and your family.

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  39. hi katie.. i dont know if you participate in these silly blog award things.. but if you do, i nominated you for the versatile blogger award...
    http://searchingforsubstance.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/versatile-blogger-award-dona-nobis-pacem/

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  40. I just stumbled upon your blog and am SO happy that I did! I haven't even dived into your posts yet -- just read your 'about me' section and am blown away. Can't wait to continue reading and follow along with all of your upcoming journeys!

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  41. Katie! I stumbled upon your blog from another blog I have been following and I am thanking God that I found yours. I am a registered nurse but I am working as a full time missionary here in the Philippines. I am so inspired with your life. I find myself praying for you especially with your health.God bless you and your marriage!! :)

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  42. So blessed with your life Katie! Speaking blessings in your life!!

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  43. Someone posted a link to your blog on facebook and I checked it out since I too love traveling. So glad I did, I'll be following all your posts now!

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  44. very inspiring stuff! :)

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  45. very inspiring blog Katie! :)

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  46. Wow what an awesome blog, and so jealous of all your traveling adventures.
    asodamour.blogspot.com

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  47. Great to learn a little about you. Thank you for your "Yes" to serving Jesus in the midst of struggle. :)

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  48. Wonderful to learn a little about you. Thank you for saying "yes" to Jesus in all the ups and downs of life!

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  49. Hi Katie! I am so thrilled to have found your space! I am your newest follower and am very excited to read future posts. May you continue to be blessed by the Grace of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

    Jayma || http://JaymasTips.blogspot.com

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  50. Y'all are such a beautiful couple! And I am loving your hearts for Jesus. Already so happy I stumbled across your blog!

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  51. Hi Katie! I just stumbled across your blog (thanks to Cassie at Sage the Blog). What a beautiful blog - I can't wait to catch up & get to know you better via blogland! :)

    XO,
    Emily from Ember Grey.

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  52. ...I look forward to seeing where He leads you in this life, :-)!!...

    Respectfully,
    Betty J. Ogburn (The Pumpkin's Head)

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  53. Love finding blogs that I have things in common with! The travel bug is addictive :) Can't wait to read more!

    Caity @ Where The Heart Is

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  54. I can't believe i am just reading this page ! :)

    you sound so much like our good friends back in Atlanta. They live in a small immigrant community.. And they even do work in Nepal! Kinda crazy. :)

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  55. Hey! I found you via Simply Kendall Rose, as we were both tagged/nominated for a Liebster Award from her. BEAUTIFUL blog! I'm excited I found you and look forward to following along :)

    www.anuncomplicatedlifeblog.com

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  56. Hi Katie! I just found your blog from Bloglovin Weekly's email. Your pictures from Turkey are amazing, and I've loved reading your past posts! Can't wait to keep in touch xx

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  57. Lovely blog, good example. I"ll spend a little of my time here to know more about your message and get more inspire to life and Faith in God. *

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  58. Hi Katie! I just found you blog and I'm loving all of your photography! My husband and I are photographers also. We mostly do weddings in the Sacramento area. Well, I just wanted to say hello. My blog is www.mrandmeatless.com if you're interested.

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  59. What an amazing blog! My sister has lupus, and I'm in awe of your strength through it! I'd love for you to stop by my blog if you get a chance, but I will either way be following you now!

    newhomenewnamenewadventure.blogspot.com

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  60. Wow, I just spent a good hour..or more, not sure ahah, reading your blog, along with your entire love story. My goodness, I must just say inspirational. You and your husbands selfless acts are amazing. You two are such wonderful people, and your writing is very intriguing. I'm looking forward to more.

    -Mae@ Endlessly Ever After
    raymond-rader.blogspot.com

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  61. I am so glad that I found your blog. I look forward to reading more.
    God Bless - Kimberley
    peculiartreasuresblog.com

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  62. Great to find your blog on bloglovin'. Nicely done.
    Hope to keep in touch!

    travellersabode.blogspot.in

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  63. Hi Katie, I just found your blog today and can't wait to explore more of it! Your pictures are amazing!

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  64. Found your blog today through BLoglovin and am loving it! Excited to follow along.

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  65. Hi Katie, I felt an instant connection with you when I read your piece in Artful blogging. Your pictures are lovely, and your heart is even more beautiful. Keep up the good work. The words you chose to share encouraged me right where I need it. I too write varied posts, but always hope a main theme will come through. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get where I imagined. And somedays that is ok. Others I question too much. Thanks for reminding me that my intent is to inspire. Simple. BTW I was born in OC :) Especially loved hearing about your faith in Jesus. The best gift ♥ do you mind if ask what kind of lens/process you used for the pictures in AB? The blurry background is lovely

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  66. Just discovered your blog and I can already tell I am going to looooove it! Absolutely cannot wait to explore more.

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I LOVE hearing from you friend:) Your comment will make my day!