Marne Perrin
How does your faith inform your work?
Many years ago, I was in a Bible study focusing on “Work” and how we could reframe our thinking about it by looking at Eden and the original design for ourselves and creation. Work was actually a part of the perfect plan for Eden and eternity – Adam and Eve were to cultivate the Garden (aka work it). It was considered good. So, the Bible study had us split into groups based on our professions or fields, and look for which parts of our work could be found in the original and perfect design of Eden before the fall, and how we could redeem our current work to point back to that and God’s glory in it. I was in the group of healthcare workers – we reflected and reflected, and finally we decided that our entire field/industry/professions only exist because of the Fall and the Curse. People are not designed to get sick and fall apart physically and mentally, or die. That has only happened because of Sin. So with that realization, we can actually look at healthcare as the fight against the Curse – the fight to get back to Eden, by reflecting the Ultimate Healer who wants to not only redeem our bodies, but our souls to relationship with Him.
Suddenly, and from that point on, I have seen my work in healthcare as a spiritual battle, waging war against the evil and sin that makes the creation groan. For those reasons, Rochester just might be one of the biggest command centers in the world for the war of fighting to get back to Eden, without even realizing it 🙂
When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it?
There have been a lot of new things converging in my life in the past year and a half! On August 6, 2022, my husband Joe and I were married here at Calvary by Pastor Kyle – learning how to be a wife that reflects Christ and His church has been a lot of learning!
Last April, I started a new role at Mayo as an Informatics Clinical Specialist – I work with specific groups to help translate the frontline work with patients into Epic-speak for the IT teams to improve the EHR system. After working frontline for a decade, it has been a major growth opportunity, but one I have enjoyed immensely. And then lastly, I’m currently working on setting up a community & private practice of child life professionals that will be launching soon! Learning how to translate a decade of skills as a Certified Child Life Specialist within healthcare organizations into a community resource and business has challenged me to open up to the freedom and creativity that can come when your options are wide-open!
Favorite bible verse?
Hebrews 12:1b-2 “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Sheryl Vold
What is your love story?
Jeremy and I met in the football stands at Mayo High School here in Rochester. I was a sophomore performing with the color guard and he was a senior who knew some of the band members. We started getting to know each other by passing notes on the hall. He asked me to be his girlfriend about a month later in one of those notes. Our first date was a hay ride and concert with my youth group where I lost a glove, Jeremy spilled Irish tea in my lap and he lost his glasses. Luckily that didn’t deter us from continuing to date. We dated for 6 years (with a couple short break ups) and got married my senior year of college. It was a balmy -50 degree windchill on our wedding day. Our love has grown even more over the 27 years we have have been married. God has walked with us through the mountain top highs, the deep lows and the mundane everyday life drawing us closer to Him and to each other.
What is something that makes a welcoming home?
My mess. Inviting people to come into my home even if the dishes aren’t done, or the stuff isn’t cleaned up allows them to see the real parts of my life and that makes them feel a part of the family. Plus, it can help them feel better about their house. Don’t get me wrong, we do clean up when we know people are coming but letting people spontaneously into the mess allows me to be more open to who God has placed in my life each day.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I love to go on walks! It is so wonderful to soak in God’s beauty and/or chat with those you walk with. Plus, you can do it anywhere: my neighborhood, nature centers, the beaches of FL, the mountains of CO, etc.
Share one thing that you love to do that you get to do nearly every day.
Snuggle! Thankfully my kids and Jeremy like it too.
What is one important skill every person should master?
To listen. Not just hear but to tune out everything else and truly listen to what someone is saying, both out loud and between the lines. Listen to understand not to fix.
What is your favorite local restaurant and the meal you most enjoy eating when there?
These days the thing that seems to always hit the spot is a Bacon Cheese Burger from Newts. I get it with cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce. Yum!
What are your three favorite smells?
The ocean air, a crisp fall day, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
What is something you have that is of sentimental value?
The diamond in my wedding ring. On my parents 25th wedding anniversary my dad gave my mom a new wedding ring and her original engagement ring was put in her jewelry box. When my parents heard that I had been talking with Jeremy about what type of engagements rings I liked or didn’t like they pulled Jeremy aside and offered him the diamond from the engagement ring my dad gave my mom. Lucky guy never had to ask for my parents blessing. We were engaged a week later.