Our Charis Family
Aimee Roberts
Hello Charis Family!
Seven years ago my friend Christi Jones asked
me to attend her labor. I jumped at the
opportunity. Having five children of my own, I
thought it would be fun seeing a baby (that wasn’t
my own) be born. Christi woke up early with
contractions and called me. I met her and her
husband, Travis, at their house as the sun was
coming up. We almost immediately went to the
hospital. When we arrived her cervix measured
4cm. Once settled in the room we ventured into
the halls and began walking laps. I was
surprised how much I felt each contraction with
her. I knew when to give encouragement and
when to be quiet. Once back in her room
labor picked up and she began to moan and sway. I
was shocked when I reached down and touched her (I
was not a touchy person). I couldn’t believe it when
I guided her husband to “slow down” when rubbing the
tennis balls on her back. I will always
remember when Christi arose from hands and knees
and started to head to the bathroom, saying she had
use the bathroom. Without hesitation I
knew her baby was coming and guided her back to the bed and
instructed Travis to find the doctor. The
doctor came in just in time to catch the baby.
I left the hospital high on oxytocin and overwhelmed
with the feeling of being used by God. I went into
her labor thankful for the opportunity to watch the
miracle of new life. I left with a calling to
be a doula.
For about a year after Christi’s labor I was asked
to support friends during their births. After a
handful of births the Lord made it clear that I
needed to add knowledge to my experience.
This led me (and Christi) to the Charis Childbirth
Educator and Doula Certification program.
During the course Christi became pregnant again, so we
made it our goal to be done with the modules by her
due date. Studying became a part time job.
We completed the task and became Charis certified
doulas and childbirth educators. I remember asking
Kristin “Will people really pay $400.00 for a
birth?” She said, “Absolutely.”
Five years later, we are partnered in a doula and
childbirth educator service we formed,
Birth InSight, charging $700.00 for doula
services and take anywhere from 6-11 births a month.
We asked my sweet and amazing sister-in-law, Sara
Beth, to join our practice. In addition to
doula clients Christi and I team-teach six, 7 week
childbirth classes, and 4 weekend classes, per year.
Has God done abundantly more than we could ask or
imagine? I am constantly humbled and amazed by
His goodness and provision. I'm honored to sit
on the couches of couples all over Hampton Roads,
Virginia and listen to their stories. I then
walk along side of them as they labor. I
ultimately get to share Jesus’ love for them through
both word and deed. I am blessed with each
journey.
I must end with what is dearest to my heart, my
family. My husband and I have been married for
almost 20 years. He is a church planter, who
has an enormous heart for the lost. He also
coaches church planters all over the world.
Our kids are between the ages of 8 to 17 years old.
They are each deeply involved with activities
according to their passions. In any given week
I cheer on, and support; theater, soccer, field
hockey, lacrosse, and dance. My family then
encourages me while I serve moms in labor.
Living life, according to God’s calling, is both
fulfilling and exciting!
Jason and Aimee Roberts
Paige, Ainsley, Caitlin, Ian and
Holden
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Charis
Cuisine
Avocado-Cucumber Soup
Ingredients
Zest from 1/2 lime
Juice from 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cucumber peeled and seeded, roughly chopped
1/2 avocado, peeled and roughly chopped
Blend everything together until totally creamy and smooth.
So simple and so delicious!! You can garnish it with
anything from your kitchen or garden. Cut a fresh juicy
strawberry in slices and place on top, or sesame seeds. A
few herbs embellishes different tastes, like fresh parsley or
dill. For a spicy version add some jalapenos and/or
garlic. It’s one of the most pleasant things to eat on a
hot summer day.
add a few tomatoes and cilantro
It becomes a salad dressing when you pour your avocado cucumber
soup on top of a freshly made salad or over your favorite grain.
It becomes a dip when you scoop your favorite veggies into it.
A zesty flavor inside a smooth and creamy blend.
The smooth texture of avocado gives chilled soup a thick
consistency, making heavy or sour cream unnecessary; avocado can
similarly stand in for butter or cheese in a sandwich.
place in small cups and garnish
Avocado lime soup never fails to hit the spot, especially during
spring or summertime warm days. Cucumber and lime will keep you
cool and refreshed while avocado bulks things up a bit and makes
this recipe satisfying yet light. Seasoned and garnished simply
with a dash of black pepper and sea salt, this recipe is
ridiculously easy to make. It will become a summer staple in
your kitchen without a doubt.
There are many ways to enjoy this simple delicacy. I've
used it in a gazillion ways and absolutely love how it
complements almost any meal. A large bowl of avocado
cucumber soup lives in my refrigerator!
~Susan Oshel
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