Persons of Interest

natasha gale

Natasha has been the recipient of the Best Sister Award for the past ten years in a row! That is a stunning record bested only by Gerta Van de Berg of Holland who raised her 12 siblings following their parents’ disappearance after an alleged garden gnome sighting. Natasha radiates with her love and thoughtfulness and continues to provide the best sisterly support one could ask for. Natasha and Liz are currently on the short list for Funniest Sibling Pair with an official announcement scheduled for October.

matt blake

They met in a border town bar. Matt ended up there after an accidental ingestion of ayahuasca and a ride from a friendly shaman. He stumbled into Simón who had just lost his bus ticket in a high stakes game of Go Fish. Together they hitchhiked across the great plains and made lasting memories that included avoiding plague-carrying gophers and competitive zorbing. Matt’s positive outlook on life and his loyalty in friendship have brought so much joy to Simón’s life.

Tess Kohanski

Tess came to Liz’s rescue in the wilds of Cameroon. After fending off the baboons trying to steal Liz’s hard-won papaya, they quickly became inseparable. They spent the formative part of their friendship gaining an intense appreciation for hand sanitizer, pocket knives, and handmade mousetraps. Tess got Liz through an eventful seven months with her compassion, love, and support. They remain heartstring-tied no matter the distance they find themselves at these days.
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Jarrell adaya

Jarrell and Liz first bonded at an Asians Who Aren’t Good at Math support group meeting. They shared a deep understanding of one another from the beginning and continued to build their friendship doing non-math things. Having met through Liz, Jarrell and Simón share an interest in street art and spend time trying to uncover the true identity of Banksy. They are no closer to that goal than when they started. Jarrell’s kindness and love are treasured by the happy couple.

Aimee fissette

Aimee and Liz’s friendship began in a malfunctioning elevator. Their epic tag team effort to calm a claustrophobic woman that would not embrace the adventurous nature of their situation bonded them quickly. It was a harrowing three days resulting in a lasting friendship between the two women. Aimee’s thoughtfulness and generosity bring such joy to Liz’s life and she couldn’t have asked for better in a wedding planner.

Iric Guthrie

Iric and Simón met as passengers on the Trans-Siberian railway when they were 11 years old on their way to audition for the Russian ballet. They didn’t get call backs, but they did get a lasting friendship. Simón is grateful to have Iric’s positivity, levelheadedness, and love for adventure in his life.

john charbonneau

On a sidewalk in downtown Hobbs, New Mexico, Simón stumbled upon John selling bootleg longboards. During the test run, both John and Simón were hit by a rogue frisbee and sustained lasting injuries to their egos. Needless to say, a friendship was inevitable. They started a (now defunct) business making goggles for goldfish. It was a niche market. Their business endeavor didn’t last, but their friendship was solidified through the experience. Simón is grateful for John’s propensity for adventure and his love of friends and family.  

jacob westbrook

Simón and Liz met Jacob at protest calling for the removal of CD players from cars. Simón suffered a nasty paper cut from a protest sign and Liz was complaining about shin splits. Jacob was able to staunch the bleeding from the paper cut that could have resulted in a fatal loss of blood if that’s how biology worked. Luckily, it’s not. Jacob has dazzled them with his humor and love every day since.

Mark pierce

Founded on a shared love of pyrotechnics, Mark and Simón became fast friends and even better alibis in their formative years. They spent summer days avoiding criminal mischief charges and school days…well…doing the same. Simón continues to treasure Mark’s friendship and wit and their mutual promise to always come up with bail money remains unshakeable.

pastor dewayne watson

With her newly acquired passport in hand, Liz signed up to go with DeWayne and his lovely wife, Michelle (and some other people) to London and spread the Good Word. After proper vetting by Liz’s Pops and a formal handshake accompanied by a silent threat, DeWayne began his Spirit-filled and lasting mentorship in Liz’s walk with Christ. And while several states away now, DeWayne continues to shine light into her life from afar.