Get to Know a Garden City Member: The Jones Family
We are the Jones Family! Jason, Marta, Liam, Sully, and Ezra. We are California natives and have been in San Jose since 2012. Jason was born and raised in Santa Rosa, Marta is from San Clemente, and we met in the middle at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. We still have family at both ends of the state and we almost always opt for the scenic route along the 101 on road trips to SoCal. Best case scenario, our drive through SLO coincides with Thursday night farmers market and a pitstop at Firestones for a trip sandwich and fries.
We got married right out of college and spent our first few years together by the beach down south. Shortly after our second son was born, Jason got a job in the Bay area and we made our way back north. Although Marta was reluctant to move and leave the beach, friends, and family, we have put down roots and really love it here. One of our favorite things to do as a family is hike a new trail in the Santa Cruz hills and head to the beach for some sun and chasing the waves.
Our first time at Garden City was right around the one year anniversary and we have been here ever since. Before long we found ourselves hosting our life group and it's the highlight of our week. Not having people over for family dinner and discussion every Wednesday has been the toughest part of Shelter in Place. We've carried on via zoom calls and are currently reading through Tim Keller's Every Good Endeavor. Its a unique time to read about God's plan and the importance of work during this time when working from home can feel unproductive, inefficient, and uncertain or non-existent for so many. It weighs heavy on our hearts and minds, but are praying for contentment in this phase and a renewed faith that God has the whole world in his hands.
We've tried to take advantage of having our busy, commuting schedules wiped clean and be intentional about using breaks throughout the day for basketball, swimming, visiting neighbors, and connecting with our boys. We've been reading about Men & Women in the Old Testament to start our days in the Word together, but that's not to say it's been bliss...most days are grueling and feel tarnished by yelling, one brother hitting another, or dad screaming "What did we just read in EPHESIANS?!" Luckily we serve a God that is full grace and it's been an opportunity to learn about forgiveness and patience with each other and God, DAILY. We're very grateful for the close friends that are really more like family we have at Garden City. Thank you for encouraging us and we can't wait to be back together in person one day! ️