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Our Charis Family
Bethany Stricker
Hello,
My name is Bethany Stricker. I am 18 years old and
graduated from home school high school in June and just
started my Charis CE/Doula training in October. I live in Northern
Virginia with my family and honestly cannot imagine
being anywhere else. When I am not studying and doing Charis homework, I am probably sewing and keeping track
of my projects over on an
online journal. I am an intern of sorts with
Bettie Need of
Practically Pretty by Design and look forward to
helping in her business officially in January.
I first thought about becoming a doula when I was 13 or
14, but didn't know anyone who was one or how to go
about becoming one. Growing up, I loved babies and
children (and pregnant women always piqued my interest),
but birth and childbearing were never really talked
about. Unfortunately, when they were, it wasn't shared in
a positive light and the experiences I heard about were
not good ones. Hearing these negative comments was
disheartening. I had always
dreamed of having my own children someday, but was not
interested in a painful or overly traumatic experience. Girls my age often voiced the same
opinion. It is just a part of life even if
dreaded and “messy and just plain scary.” I realize now
that many of these thoughts were due to ignorance and
fear, and something that I wanted to avoid.
As I was reaching my junior year in high school, I was
often asked what I would be doing with my life after
graduation, but didn't always know what to answer.
I was interested in midwifery, but still very unsure
because of the views I had formed and the simple fact
that I had never experienced childbirth myself. I just
could not vouch for the idea that childbearing could be
more than “messy and scary.” I wanted more for myself
and my sister, my friends and the other young women in
my generation, but the idea that childbearing could be
beautiful, joyful, respected and God-glorifying was
still just that, an idea.
I think around this time I mentioned the idea of
studying midwifery in some form to my dear Grammie.
Doran Richards came to her mind. I found her website to
be encouraging and something that simply put into words
so much of what I wondered and thought about. I ended up
contacting Doran, and she was so kind to answer my
questions and really encourage me. Because I did not
know how to go about studying in this field, she pointed
me to some recommended books and schools. That is how I
found Charis and am so grateful to her for it! I guess
that was about a year ago, and I am so enjoying what I
am studying through Charis and how the sweet “Charis
family” is affecting my life.
I feel, in many ways, that my passion to help young women
understand what childbearing can be, could be turned into
a child birth educator scenario. I struggle with
concerns of inferiority and just not being qualified and
wonder, "Will I be able to answer their questions? Will they want
to listen? Are others even interested, or am I just
crazy?" The opportunity to serve as a doula and help women in their
time of need, whether during pregnancy, birth
or the postpartum stage, is something 'm willing to do,
and yet I still have the same feeling. Why would a
couple want me to help them? Do couples really want
someone to serve them who has not really been there
before? Will I be able to serve them in the best
capacity when it is needed? Will I ever really be
proficient enough to offer my services? As time goes on,
sometimes these feelings subside, and sometimes they are
more in the forefront of my mind, but I truly believe
that this sort of passion is from God. I would have
never found Charis without Him and would certainly not
be acting on this passion without Him holding my hand
every single step of the way.
In the end, I want to be able to offer good, consistent,
professional care and up-to-date information and yet be
easy to talk to and put people at ease when I serve
them. I have often wondered if there are many other
young women who are struggling with the same feelings
and wanting to serve in the same capacity. Maybe a new
flood of young women who are passionate about the things
of God and how God made their bodies will be the result.
I honestly do not know how my certification as a
doula/childbirth educator will be used, but I am excited
about the future. Crisis Pregnancy Centers and teen
mothers are on my heart often. I wonder how people can
serve them better and if I am called to be one of those
people. The future is exciting and I look forward
to seeing what the Lord will do. Each new day is truly
better than the last.
Rebecca, Mark, Bethany and Sherri Stricker
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Charis Cuisine
Richly
Raw Carrot Cake
Sweetness in every bite comes from dried fruit and fruit juice.
Packed with nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, too, each bite is
full of nutrition and almost virtuous. The dense richness of
this yummy cake makes one piece usually enough.
The salt in this recipe helps to wilt the carrots so that they're
not too crispy. Finely grating the carrots would give the cake
a smoother texture. I love the orange flavor, but if you
aren't a citrus fan you can leave it out and substitute water for
the orange juice.
This recipe has lived in my kitchen for ages, and I'm happy to share
it! ~Susan Oshel
Carrot Cake
makes 10 servings
3 cups grated carrots
2 cups ground walnuts (or pecans)
1/4 cup chopped raisins
1 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp mixed spice (or 1/2 tsp each cinnamon, ginger and cloves)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
1 cup dates blended
1/2 cup orange juice
Blend the dates and orange juice into a wet paste. Combine all the
ingredients in a large bowl and squeeze with your hands to mix well
before pressing firmly into an ungreased cake tin. Put it in the
fridge for an hour or so to firm up a little. The chilled cake is
quite moist.
Icing
1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
1/3 cup water
2 Tbsp agave syrup
1 Tbsp coconut oil
pinch of salt
vanilla
Nutritional Value in Carrots
* Beta
carotene (converted into Vitamin A by the body).
* Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) and Vitamin B
(Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Niacin).
* Minerals like Potassium and Manganese
* Sodium, Fluoride and Phosphorus
* Iron, Zinc and Copper
* Selenium and Calcium
* Carbohydrates and Protein
* Biotin and Thiamine
Health Benefits of
Carrots
* Carrot
provides complete nutrition to the body. 100 grams of carrot
contains 7.6g carbohydrate, 0.6g protein, 0.3g fat, 30mg calcium
and 0.6 mg iron. Apart from that, carrots are also a good source of
fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K,
biotin, potassium and thiamine.
* Carrots have been known to be very good for the health of spleen
and stomach.
* Carrot is believed to help in treating impotence (lower sexual
drive), sexual dysfunction, night blindness, long term cough, gas
and cold.
* Researchers have suggested that carrot might lead to diminished
risk of heart disease and many types of cancer.
* Potash succinate, a nutrient found in carrot, is said to have anti
hypertensive drug properties, making it useful for those suffering
from high blood pressure.
* Carrot juice provides a lot of energy to the body. In the raw
form, the vegetable is believed to have antiseptic properties.
* Carrot contains beta-carotene, which has been found to be very
beneficial for the eyes.
* Carrots are very good for healthy skin, hair and bones. At the
same time, they also cleanse the body.
* Fresh carrot juice helps an individual gain relief from stress and
fatigue and makes him feel energized.
* Carrot soup is a very popular home remedy for diarrhea.
* Carrots can enhance the quality of breast milk.
* Carrot juice is known to prevent numerous infections and is said
to be good for the adrenal glands.
* Carrots can help increase menstrual flow and is very good for those
suffering from diabetes.
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