I still live on the land where I grew up, now I live in a house trailer next to my parents house in rural Union City PA. My biological parents are still together; this year was their 51st wedding anniversary. I have a younger brother and sister who are both married and live less than five miles away from my parents. Between my two siblings I have two nieces, a step niece, and three nephews. There ages range from 7yrs to 25yrs. I also have a great nephew (8yrs) and two great nieces (both 2yrs). They keep me young and I enjoy spending time with them; I’ve never had that “falling in love experience” so I’ve remained single and I don’t have any children of my own. I grew up in a Christian family, and I, more than my siblings, developed an interest in the Bible and that lifestyle. I’ve not me anyone single with that similar interest.

There is a barn behind my house where we used to have two Arabian horses. They are now gone and the barn is a garage for the equipment used to run the family business, Maleski’s Wood Processing. I enjoy spending time with my family cutting, stacking, and delivering firewood throughout the year. I also enjoy gardening, Do It Yourself home improvement projects, and walking around the country block in the summer with my dog Dory.

Dory is a 5 1/2 year old Brittany whose registered name is High Hopes Dorothy’s Journey. I am her fourth and forever home. She was born in Kansas where she got her name. She was a gift from my parents who also have a Brittany named Charlie. There are also five cats I care for. At one point, before getting them all spayed and neutered, there were over twenty. All but one lived their life out in the barn or one of the houses. Most have lived into their teens. The oldest one currently is 17 1/2 years, the youngest (a kitten who needed a home in 2016) is 8 years old.

On the weekend and often during the week I spend time at church learning, singing, and getting to know the people there. My mom believed it is important to raise children in church, so I grew up attending Sunday school, going to youth group, and attending other church activities multiple days during the week. I learned many Bible stories and memorized scriptures when I was little and I developed an interest and enjoyment in learning about and understanding God from the Bible text. I took classes at Oral Roberts University that helped me understand ancient writing and how to accurately read and interpret scripture, though there are full courses that are taken in Bible Hermeneutics to do that accurately. I grew up in Union City Pennsylvania. When I was in Elementary school, I played softball through the towns Little League program. I also liked playing basketball which I started in sixth grade through a program at the school. I had problems with my knees and wasn’t able to continue playing, but I got active in the music program as a trumpet player.

I started playing with the high school band in seventh grade when they asked my parents if I could join. I practiced many hours, was excelling, and they needed more members. The knew band director was rebuilding the program and I started over the summer learning the marching band routine for the upcoming year. Participation in that group and eventually choir too, were my most enjoyable activities in high school. I was chosen to go to districts in senior high the first time playing Baritone, and the second time playing trumpet (though I chose not to attend the second time). My confidence in my ability was lacking. I still participate in musical activities as a singer, at church, and when I was in college. I’ve had solo parts in both but I’ve never taken voice lessons to improve that skill or ability.

My other interest is helping others through peer support during life’s challenges and emotional difficulties. I enjoy taking part in bible studies at church and activities that involve crafting, cooking, quilting, and outdoor activities done in groups to learn from one another and provide social support. In school I was part of Peer Helpers, and the Students Against Drunk Driving organization. I am a peacekeeper, listener, and person who works to understand other peoples struggles and perspective so I can help them. Sometimes listening and understanding (or working to understand) is the only help I can offer.