About me: My husband John and I arrived on Okinawa in September 2008.We have been an Air Force family for 22+ years.I recently retired from active duty in September of 2008.As a result of being active duty for so long, this is my first opportunity to be a part of a women’s bible study.PWOC has been a blessing to me!The ladies and mission of the organization have helped me “find my way” in my new role as a “retired” spouse.God has put angels in my path to refocus and reprioritize my life for him.I am thankful a friend invited me to go to PWOC with her.The rest is history!
I am originally from Wyoming and John is from Ohio (Go Bucks!).We don’t have any children but have two sweet kitties that are such a joy!I enjoy running, scuba diving, and cooking.I am also a Midwife and will be volunteering some time at Camp Lester.Providing women’s health care throughout their lives and during pregnancy and delivery is a privilege and makes me very happy!
I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve and to be a “Worker For Christ.”
Ginger Harrington Vice President/Spiritual Life
About me: I have been married to my Marine husband for 17 yrs. and we have the privilege of raising three wonderful children. This year they are in three levels of schools, and our life is very busy taxing to and from the fun things they are involved in. We have had the blessing of enjoying some wonderful duty stations. This is our first overseas. Wherever we have lived I have enjoyed being part of a women's ministry, and have been involved with PWOC or the base counterpart since 1994 in CampLeJeune, Monterey, Quantico, and now Kadena. In each place I have enjoyed friendships and bible studies.
God has used PWOC in my life to equip and train me to grow step by step from taking studies to teaching, training, speaking, and leading worship. Each place He has something new for me. Each time I step out and try something new, I experience God meeting me where I am and enabling me to go beyond what I thought I could do to show me what He can do in me. God has given me a passion to help take the intimidation factor out of reading the bible and share tools to read and understand God's word. Being apart of this process of God at work through interacting with his Word, whether through study or worship has been a wonderful adventure. It is my joy and honor to grow into this position as 2nd v-p Spiritual life --I am a work in progress and God is ever faithful.
I love to sing, read, garden, spend time with friends, and try new restaurants. My goal this year has been piano lessons and I am very slowly learning to play.
Jana Plank Praise and Worship
About Me: Ever since a friend suggested PWOC as a place to find friendships after a move, I was hooked. That was 2003 and I haven't been without my PWOC since then. I attended PWOC with the Army, at Ft. Leavenworth, for the first time. Then moved to Stuttgart, Germany where my husband worked at EUCOM. I loved the fellowship there with the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. Now we're back on Okinawa for the second time and once again PWOC is a lifeline for me. I wish I'd known about PWOC here on Okinawa when we were here from 1993-97!!
My husband Steve is in the Air Force. We have a son, Joseph, who keeps my emotions swinging, my heart happy, and my posture humble before God and man. I've played the piano since childhood, but picked up the guitar about five years ago and have marveled at where God has brought me musically. Serving God through music has become part of who I am. He has let me serve PWOC at every chapter I've been a part of and I am blessed by his ministry to military women. I will always give back because it gave to me.
Sarah Honkanen Outreach- Air Force
About Me: I have been married for 20 yrs. to my husband, Christian. Okinawa is move number 14 for us. My husband retired from the military two yrs. ago, and now is working as a civilian. I have four children. Aaron is 18, Jacob is 15, Noah is 11, and Grace is 6. I am a stay at home mom.
I like to hike, play games, read, cook, and go exploring (as long as I don't have to drive...I am "directionally challenged.")God has given me a spark of creativity, and I find that I like to write and do all kinds of art projects...whatever I feel inspired to make.
I love animals, especially dogs, bunnies, and my great love, horses. I feel completely myself while walking in a barn smelling the horses, hay, and saddles. I especially love riding. There is something very special about the partnering with an animal as your team mate. My passion is volunteering for therapeutic riding for small children with special needs. I have seen all kinds of miracles with how the horses help both physical and mental challenges.
I love Nature!...and when I need to pray, you will find me outside. So many times I see God through His lovely creation.
I have a real love for PWOC, because it was a special group of woman 15 yrs ago in Turkey, who showed me what real love looked like. They helped plant a handful of seeds that eventually did grow!!!
I have grown tons since I have moved to the island in February. I would have to say I just love the Lord so much. I see the work "Christian" as a verb, instead of a noun. It is an action word. Prayer is another way to show this to others. I love to meet other Ladies. When you come to PWOC "LOOK ME UP" We'll do lunch and get to know each other better!!!
Julie Blancaflor
Administrative Coordinator
About me: I grew up in a small town in Central Washington, never realizing the adventures God had in store for me.I went to college at Seattle Pacific University, majoring in Biology, and worked at a Blood Bank for almost 5 years after finishing my degree.God spoke to me clearly about attending Seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary.At first I told Him it wasn’t possible, that I was perfectly content where I was, but after about a year of Him gently tapping on my heart, I obeyed His call.In 1997 I packed up everything that I could fit into my car, got rid of everything else, and drove away from Seattle, fighting to see through the tears in my eyes.About a week later I arrived in Kentucky, declaring to God that I WOULD NOT marry anyone from there, as that would mess up my plan of moving back to Seattle after finishing my degree.However, God won that game, and sent my husband to win my heart.I met my future husband, Noel, at Asbury, and we married in 1999.I finished my M.A. in Biblical Studies, and we spent our first 5 years of marriage in Pennsylvania, where Noel served as an Associate Pastor of a church there.
We were blessed with our first two children, Kate and Megan, ages 8 & 5, while in Pennsylvania.When Megan was just 2 months old, God called my husband to minister as an Air Force Chaplain, and it was time to move again, this time to San Antonio, TX.It was there where our son, Daniel (DJ), now 3 years old, joined our family.In 2008, we moved here to Kadena.I give thanks every day that God brought us to such a beautiful place. I am amazed when I look back and see how God has moved, and continues to move, in my family.
God’s plans have proven to be much grander that my own, and I am grateful that He indeed has a plan for my life, and for each and every person. God has used PWOC in my life this past year to connect with and be encouraged by other women to daily serve our God who cares so deeply for each of us.It has been a spiritual home, a safe place to seek Him among my sisters in Christ.I am humbled and honor to serve with PWOC this year.
Barbi Knowles Hospitality
About Me:I grew up in a small town inMontanaand met my husband, Terry, when he was stationed at nearby Malmstrom AFB. We have been married for 23 yrs. and we have two sons and a daughter.Last spring our youngest graduated after I home schooled our children for 15 years.My husband is a DODDS band teacher which brought us toOkinawa7 years ago.
I enjoy reading, cooking, baking, quilting and spending time with my family.With my children grown up and moving on, my two little dachshunds keep me entertained!
I joined PWOC a year or two after arriving on Okinawa and it has been a wonderful support system!I love being a part of this group of ladies who love the Lord and serve Him with their whole hearts! I am excited to serve God in the position of Hospitality this year and am looking forward to seeing how He will use me. I want to grow in my relationship with Him and use my gifts to honor Him.
Audrey Hill Outreach- Navy
LaToya Mentoring
Christine Wormack Financial Secretary
Jenny Connors
Participation
About me:I am a Texas gal who went looking for adventure in Washington DC after I finished my degree in History and Dance at Sam Houston State University. I met the man of my dreams at my church in Virginia and we fell in love and got married July 5, 2008! I was working as a marketing assistant, and Josh was finishing up some training before we got our orders to move to our 1st real duty station, Okinawa Japan. We were both really excited about the opportunity to see the world, experience a different culture and live on a tropical island. We arrived on island just before New Year's 2009.
I really love Okinawa so far. I do miss my friends and family back home, but I know that the Lord has a very special and specific purpose for bringing Josh and I here. I was blessed to be introduced to PWOC right away. I was only on island for 7 days and I was already at a PWOC program, winning purses and getting plugged into one of the best Bible study courses I have ever taken. I made friends instantly and really felt welcome and accepted into this wonderful group of women. I am a brand new military wife, and I have learned so much about what it means to be an honorable woman, and Godly wife from the ladies in this organization. I truly believe that God has his hand on this group and is actively moving through the lives of these women, I have seen it with my own eyes. In my own walk with the Lord, I have grown tremendously and have been stretched to learn more of my capabilities. I am thankful for the support and encouragement this group has brought me over the past few months, because it is not easy to move to a new place, and try to meet new people. PWOC has become my Okinawa extended family and I am so grateful God has placed these women in my life.
I am still fairly new to the military life and I am still learning many acronyms, traditions and to cope with my husband's heavy work load and deployments, but I love all the advantages this lifestyle has to offer. I never thought that I would be able to afford to be a stay at home wife, volunteering for leadership in an amazing women's ministry, helping my home church with administration responsibilities during the week, meeting with friends for lunch, and taking advantage of the free fitness classes during the day. This is a dream, and I know that I am blessed to have this opportunity in my life right now. I am even hoping to take some more school to work on a Master's degree, to become a history teacher for when we are back in the states.
In summation: I am a woman, who loves to dance, watch movies, chat with girlfriends and get dressed up. I am a Marine wife, loving my my Marine and learning daily how to submit to my husband and to the Lord. I am a Christ follower, an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, living and loving in a manner that honors my father in heaven, and reveals to others that Christ lives in me.
2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. (NIV)
Katie Dokmo
Publicity
About me:
Jacqui Vanosdall
Titus II
About me:
Kathleen Lennard
Prayer Team Coordinator
About me: Twenty years ago I left my job in Manhattan for fun and adventure as a Navy spouse. Ten duty station stations, five states, and two countries later my husband Trevor and I have three children and have had many exciting opportunities to see the world and meet wonderful people. There have been twists and turns but it is wonderful to see how God has provided. Although it wasn't originally on our list of "dream assignments", we have enjoyed two separate tours on Okinawa. We love the food, the ocean and the people--it's now at the top of the list! One of the highlights for me has been PWOC--it has been a wonderful way to meet women from all the services and be involved in terrific bible studies. I am looking forward to working with the prayer team this year and praying for this exciting ministry and the women involved.
Larissa Traquair Program Coordinator
About Me:
I have been a wife to my Marine for over 15 years and God has grown us, as a couple, through this great “expedition”!I met my Marine in Oregon, on recruiting duty, and this is our second tour on Okinawa. We have been stationed in Klamath Falls, OR; El Toro, CA; Okinawa; Quantico, VA and 29 Palms, CA.
We are the proud parents of our four-legged, furry family member, Socks.We rescued her from the Kadena Marina in 1998 and she has enjoyed being our travel companion all these years.She reminds me to have fun daily and that a walk around our block can be very exciting!
I was first introduced to PWOC in 1999 by several of my clients and once I started attending I was hooked.I have been involved in several women’s ministries, on-base and off, over the years.I found great comfort in knowing that I would have PWOC to attend once we returned to Okinawa.I have already met so many wonderful women who have embraced me, encouraged me in my walk with the Lord and will remain lifelong friends!
My recent favorite scripture is Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”As military spouses we can be joyful in our hope in God, our Rock.He is always with us through every move, whether stateside or overseas and He is in control.My goal is to be faithful in prayer and rejoice in this day, the day the Lord has made!!!
My favorite pastimes are eating out, scrapbooking, eating out, stamping, eating out and “doing” lunch with friends!!!I look forward to serving with you all and getting to know each of you as God has us walk this adventure we call life together!!!
Matilda Robinson
Historian
About me: Hi my name is Matilda and I am happy you are checking out the PWOC website! We are a strong and devoted group of women that enjoy getting together every week to fellowship in God's word. I often thank God for leading me here ... the friends I have made are the biggest source of support, encouragement and faith that I have found on this island.
I was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina where my Dad was stationed. He was in the Army all of my childhood - so moving around all the time is more normal for me than staying put in one place. I have been a Marine wife for 16 years and it has been quite an adventure. I have four children and a green bird we named Asazuke (he is from Okinawa). We have lived in Beaufort - South Carolina, Quantico - Virginia, Jacksonville - North Carolina and now Okinawa. My family and I love to live in Okinawa and we spend a lot of our spare time exploring the island. During bad weather we read, watch movies and play our Wii. In my spare time I love cooking, going to the 100 Yen store, meditating with nature a cup of coffee and my Bible on my back porch and finding cool new places to eat with my friends.
I hope you will come to PWOC and find what an amazing road God will lead you down - it has changed my life and it can change yours too.
Marcy Carter
PKOC Curriculum Coordinator
About me:
My name is Marcy Carter
and I am privileged to be the PKOC Coordinator this year! I've been
married to my Marine for almost 10 years and am a mother of three. My
daughter Caroline is 7, Wyatt is 4, and John is 2....they keep me
hopping. We've been stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, Norfolk, VA, and
then back to Camp Lejeune, and then Quantico, VA....so this is my
first overseas experience!!
I'm a teacher by trade, I've taught grades 3 through 5 in both
NC and VA. For the past few years I've spent most of my time keeping
up with my family. In addition, I've done in home daycare, tutored out
of my home as well as part-time within the school system, and
volunteered when and where I can. Most recently I was blessed to be
the Quantico WOC (Women of the Chapel) Childcare Coordinator while we were stationed at
Quantico, VA. I am looking forward to serving you as well!!
The Lord has blessed me with the fellowship and wisdom that I have
found through the women of Quantico WOC and now Okinawa PWOC. Our
family has been through many ups and downs due to multiple training
exercises and deployments during the past few years. I'm not sure if
I'd be the person I am today if it hadn't been for the Lord speaking to
me through and with these awesome women that I have met!!
I hope you too will enjoy the benefits of great sisterhood at PWOC:)
Tamara Gapasin
Newcomers
About me: Hello ladies!! I am so excited you are looking into what our PWOC group is all about!! I'm Tamara, I have been married to my Army husband for 8 yrs. and we have three hilarious children so far. Emma will be starting 1st grade in the fall, and we are loving the homeschool life together. Joshua, our 3 year-old, is "full of life," and our island baby Elijah was born here on Okinawa in October 2008. It is certainly a handful raising three kids under the age of 6 -- but it is a GOOD handful, and we thank God for the privilege of allowing us to be their parents -- even as the chaos swirls!
This is our first overseas duty station, and we were at Ft. Hood for three years before moving here. As civilians we met in school at the University of Missouri, then after we got married we lived in Las Vegas, then Missouri again before Ernesto became Active Duty. I was first introduced to PWOC by ladies in our church while at Ft. Hood, and I have been a member ever since. My kids whoop and holler every Monday night as they look forward to all the fun and fellowship they will have on Tuesday morning -- and inside so do I :)
I actually was thrilled to come to Okinawa - my sense of adventure could not be tamed... and so far I have not been disappointed!! The beauty of God's creation is ALL AROUND us, can you believe we actually get to LIVE here??? Granted I'm originally from a small town -- but I've got a laundry list of places we've lived too -- and I'm constantly amazed at how great my life is. It makes me laugh to think of the boring plans I made for my life as a kid, nothing I could have planned for myself could possibly be as sweet as the life God has given me.
God has also given me some of my closest friendships over the past four years through PWOC -- and I treasure each of them dearly. I believe that PWOC is a group like no other in the military, and I count it a privilege to serve our Lord by greeting our new ladies this year. I look forward to meeting you, and I just know that soon you'll recognize that God has something GREAT in store for you while stationed here on Okinawa.
As a little girl, one of my favorite persons in the Bible was Queen Esther. It always fascinated me that she had these things "happen" to her (good and bad), yet they were all for God's ultimate glory (the protection of the Jews from Haman's evil plan). Each time I read her story, I looked forward to what I've always felt to be the climax, when Mordecai says to Esther, "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
You may be super excited to be here like me... or not so thrilled like some of our other sisters... but we all have one thing in common... God purposed for each of us to be here on Okinawa together at this time, and I do SO hope you and I can become friends, and workers together for Christ, while we are here!
Shannon Hawkins
Special Events
About me: Who am I? That is a question that I have been redefining the answer for the past year. So who am I? I am a Hoosier spending my first 23 years in Indiana, a hard core Boilermaker (go Purdue!)- this is were I met my husband 5 years ago and earned my dream degree in Veterinary Technology. I am the janator/part-time secretary at Keystone church, my home away from home. I am an events planner extraordinaire planning church events and having the honor of planning your retreat here at PWOC! I am a proud wife of a Marine, decorator at the Marine gift shop (stop in and say ‘hi’, I love to stop and chat!), a basket weaver, violinists, and an artist. I am a stay at home wife and the proud “mom” of our dog, Emma, and cat, Bob.
Okinawa is my first “real” duty station with my husband. When we were dating, I looked at him and said, “I will NOT move to Japan with you. Forget it! If you get orders there you are going alone!” So here we are! (I also told God I would not plan a retreat.... so guess what I have two of to plan in the next year! I don’t tell God “I will not” anymore!)
I arrived on the island very anxious, depressed and unhappy. I found God would not let me work as an LVT so I got more anxious, depressed and unhappy. Who wants to be a stay at home wife at the age of 25 with only 2 years out of school and no children? Then I came to Bible study one Tuesday last summer and found what God wanted me to do; learn about him and follow his path, not my own. I have grown by leaps and bounds because of PWOC this year. I am closer to Christ than I have ever been. I simply can not get enough of him! The women here are equally amazing as the studies themselves. I have never found so much love and support under one roof! The spirit is alive in PWOC and I am blessed to be a part of this ministry.
So who am I really? I am a servant of God. I follow where he leads.
Rachelle Whitfield Outreach- Army
Kim Schroeder
Webweaver
About me: I was born and raised in Nebraska GO HUSKERS! Joined the Air Force and met my husband, Jeff, in Missouri. We were married in 2000. We now have 2 kiddos Alexandria who is 7 and Jason who is 5. We have an American mix dog, Kelly and an Okinawan mix dog, Rita.
Coming to Okinawa was on my big list of places I never wanted to go! I do not like to be hot, do not like humidity and am quite terrified of water. Shortly after arriving in Okinawa, June 2008, I broke my first bone, in my ankle. Believe me when I say that I hated Okinawa for those first 6 months.
As in all things God does, I amazingly found PWOC website the night before the Summer kick off. I had to go and make my time on this island worthwhile. I met many ladies and absolutely fell in love with what the Lord was doing here on Okinawa at PWOC.
If you were wondering, I don't hate it here anymore. Of course all the things I disliked, I still do. I absolutely miss my family as well. However, the Japanese people are so wonderful and friendly!! The customer service is amazing. Finally the big kicker is the ladies at PWOC and what God has going on there.
Capt. Randolph McCafferty Chaplain Advisor
Chaplain, Captain, Randolph E. McCafferty is a Protestant Chaplain assigned to the Office of the Wing Chaplain, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Provides religious observances, pastoral care, spiritual advice, and unit visitation to assigned Kadena personnel and their families. He serves as Chaplain to the 18th Operations Group and Chaplain of the Protestant Contemporary Worship Service.
Chaplain McCafferty received his commission in October 2004 and entered active duty November 2004.His first and previous duty station was Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA, where he did a four and a half year assignment. He is endorsed by the Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches.He is married to Rhonda Gail Milton McCafferty of Brownsville, TN and has two daughters, Constance and Sarah.
