I’m Shilo.  I am Dutch, practical, sometimes intense, and talk too much.  I was raised in a family that continually piled friends, neighbors, and family onto the bench seats around our large table for meals, reading Scripture, and discussing life.  Often we had people live with us whether they were recovering alcoholics, directionless teenagers, one transgender woman seeking healing, or extended family needing a landing place.  (Why go out when home is so entertaining!?)  The coffee pot was always on and a gallon of ice cream with multiple spoons meant it was time to sit on the counter and tell stories.   
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I attended Whitworth University for a degree in elementary education and ended up with a degree and a husband.  We spent a decade and a half in student ministry.  Sean now works for Logos Bible Software as a National Presenter, but we still enjoy a good side hustle.  Through our non-profit, Big Oak, Sean books speaking engagements, runs camps for teenagers, and collaborates on anything creative with as many people as he can convince to join in. 
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I have no regrets in saying no to thousands of good things to do the great thing of raising my four creative, faith-filled, energetic children.  Three of our children are biological and one was adopted through foster care.  I am passionate about children healing from trauma and love supporting other families in similar journeys.  

I am the author of the book Brand New: a 40-Day Guide to Life in Christ (released Aug. 2017).  The Mentor's Guide for Brand New was released in October 2018.  I love communicating God's grace and truth through written word, teaching, and speaking. 

In the cracks I like to squeeze in a little substitute teaching at my kids' school, a big garden in the back of our farmhouse, and watching my kids' endless sporting events.  I love story telling, strong coffee, the Pacific Northwest, and being home.  

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