Meet Ashley: Married to Adam & together they have two furbabies, Riley the Labrador Retriever and Daisy the cat; She’s currently in Virginia Beach but soon will call Okinawa, Japan home!
Share a treasured memory.
So my 30th birthday was quickly approaching and my husband had asked me what type of party I wanted to have since it’s my last one in the US for a few years. We are moving to Japan in October due to military orders. I was racking my brain for what would be the most fun and I decided what better way to celebrate a 30th birthday than with a bounce house. I work a lot and sometimes it’s just really nice to pretend to still be a kid with no responsibilities. When I first told him my idea he thought it was a little weird but went with it anyway. Fortunately my husband has recently come to terms with my crazy ideas. I mean seriously, I have a mohawk. I decided back in April to start transitioning my hair from long into a mohawk without just completely shaving 2/3 of my head in one shot and he supported my hair decisions from the start. He may have been in shock at first but he still supported me. I definitely think that has made a bigger impact on me than he knows. While my confidence comes from my God, it’s definitely important to have my husband stand with me instead of against me.
What do you love about yourself?
One thing I love about myself is my unrelenting ability to forgive, sometimes to a fault. As much as sometimes I want to be angry at someone for a long time, I don’t have it in me. I remind myself that God has forgiven me, so why should I think I’m too important to not forgive someone else.
What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered for never saying no to an adventure. Be it a physical or spiritual adventure, I want people to look at my life and see the opportunities that God has put in front of me and be inspired to never say no just because they are scared or because it’s going to take them out of their comfort zone.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I think the craziest thing I’ve ever done was at an adventure park in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I swam through an underground cave and went on a zip-line that was 150 feet in the air and over 2 miles long. It was definitely fun, a complete rush, and a little scary when thinking about the fact that mexico’s safety guidelines may not be as strict as those in the US.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
Correction, what’s the best advice I’ve ever given? Just be more awesome. That correlates to everything. When you’re feeling down, make a conscious decision to be joyful despite your circumstances. When things seem like they can’t get any better, trust in God that He is for you, not against you. And then, just be more awesome!
I’ve had the honor and privilege of calling Ashley and Adam my friends for a short time, but the connection makes it seem much longer. I have not met a more joyous heart and love of life than Ashley and the uncompromising love and support of a husband like Adam. I cherish the time spent with them and consider it a blessing to anyone who calls them friend . . . but they are more than friends, they are a treasured brother and sister in Christ. Ashley’s exuberance is contagious, her cheerful outlook restoring you from bad days, and, well, just more awesome than you’d expect. She is loved, but more she is a (can’t find an excellent enough word) example of what it means to love life and people, to have confidence in yourself, and to glorify God in all you do.
Erin, these posts are so wonderful. I’m so thankful for the ways you are showing us that we are loved women. It’s so easy to forget that. Ashley, seems so spunky and I love that. Another great post!
Thank you Tara! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them 🙂
I think I went to the same park in Playa del Carmen! I didn’t do the zip line, but I did swim with the dolphins. It was amazing. You continue to be awesome in everything you do.